Solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity - Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition will be held at the Hong Kong Museum of History from tomorrow until 7 July 2025. Featuring over 130 pieces and sets of priceless artifacts, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore the robust development and unique culture of China during the Qin and Han periods. The exhibition is also one of the activities being held in celebration of the Club’s 140th anniversary.
The opening ceremony was held today (15 April) with officiating guests including Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Qi Bin, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Qian Jikui, Deputy Director of the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration; Martin Liao, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Raistlin Lau, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Professor Douglas So, Chairman of Museum Advisory Committee; and Manda Chan, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services.
Martin Liao, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “The Club has actively supported the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in organising exhibitions under The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series, enhancing our city’s cultural vibrancy while also attracting visitors from around the world to explore exhibitions steeped in Chinese culture, elevating their artistic and cultural experience. Through a variety of arts and cultural activities, we aim to promote outstanding Chinese culture and develop Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan.”
Following on from “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Ancient Civilisation of the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties in Henan Province”, this new exhibition is the second programme of the General History of China Series, co-presented by the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Chinese Culture Promotion Office. The meticulously curated artifacts include figures from the iconic terracotta army of Emperor Qin Shihuang, warrior and animal figurines belonging to the Emperor Jing of Han, chariot components and architectural items. Together, these artefacts highlight the political, economic, cultural, technological and cross-border developments during the Qin and Han dynasties – presenting the vibrant charm of the unified dynasties. Showcasing over 20 sets of archeological finds from Hong Kong, the exhibition also sheds light on the region’s historical development during the period, offering a deeper perspective on the connection between the seat of power and Hong Kong.
In addition to presenting precious relics, the exhibition incorporates multimedia elements through education programmes to provide visitors with a more engaging experience. Visitors can explore the attire and designs of the terracotta warriors, understand Chinese characters of the Qin and Han eras and the design of architectural components, decode Lingnan boat patterns, and measure themselves in standardised Qin and Han units. An interactive education zone features vibrant displays, animations and interactive games that vividly portray the development of the Lingnan region during the Qin and Han dynasties. The exhibition will also include a series of educational and outreach activities to provide the public with a comprehensive understanding of its core themes.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series is the result of a partnership between the Club and the LCSD. Launched in 2012, this series has brought world-class exhibitions to Hong Kong, enabling visitors to appreciate masterpieces from different places, times and cultures. The exhibitions are complemented by various education and outreach activities. Recent exhibitions include “Fragrance of Time — In Search of Chinese Art of Scent”, and “Cézanne and Renoir Looking at the World — Masterpieces from the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay” which is currently underway at the Hong Kong Museum of Art.
As a not-for-profit sports and charity organisation rooted in Hong Kong for 140 years, the Club has a unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong. Under the banner “With You. Then. Now. Always.”, the Club is organising a series of celebratory initiatives to mark its 140th Anniversary and to recognise Hong Kong people’s contribution to its mission, which is to act continuously for the betterment of society. For more information, visit https://campaign.hkjc.com/140/en/.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of society. The Club has a unique integrated business model comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2023/24, the Club returned a total of HK$40.1 billion to the community. This included HK$29.9 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$10.2 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.
Picture 1:
Chan Kwok-ki, HKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration (centre); Qi Bin, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (3rd left); Qian Jikui, Deputy Director of the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration (3rd right); Martin Liao, the Club’s Deputy Chairman (2nd left); Raistlin Lau, HKSAR Government Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (2nd right); Professor Douglas So, Chairman of Museum Advisory Committee (1st right); and Manda Chan, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (1st left) at the “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity - Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition opening ceremony.
Picture 2:
Martin Liao, the Club’s Deputy Chairman, delivers a speech at the “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity - Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition.
Picture 3:
Photo 3/4:
Guests tour “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity - Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition.