Have you ever heard of the ancient Dian Kingdom? Whether it’s the legendary ancient state briefly outlined in the “Records of the Grand Historian” or the mysterious land woven from fantastical imaginations in novels, it suddenly appeared on the stage of history and quietly faded into the red soil of Yunnan. On November 18th, the annual finale exhibition “Imprint·Dian Kingdom – Special Exhibition of Ancient Yunnan Dian Civilization,” jointly presented by the China Maritime Museum and the Yunnan Provincial Museum, officially opened in the First Temporary Exhibition Hall of the China Maritime Museum. The Lijiashan Bronze Museum and the Jinning District Museum of Kunming City also participated in the exhibition.

The Dian Kingdom was an ancient state in the Dianchi Lake area of China’s southwestern frontier during the Warring States, Qin, and Han periods. Dian culture is an important component of Chinese civilization. The exhibition is divided into five major sections: “Lost·Rediscovered,” “Dian Land·Dian People,” “Deities·Mortal World,” “Conflict·Integration,” and “Dian Spirit·Han Style.” Using “imprint” as its core imagery, it starts from the “Seal of the Dian King” unearthed from the Dian royal cemetery at Shizhaishan in Jinning. Through epic narrative and multiple dimensions, it explores the brilliant and splendid ancient Dian civilization, presents the historical process of the ancient Dian Kingdom’s integration into Huaxia, and provides evidence of the pluralistic unity of Chinese civilization.

“Imprint·Dian Kingdom – Special Exhibition of Ancient Yunnan Dian Civilization” officially opens in the First Temporary Exhibition Hall.

The year 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the first archaeological excavation at Shizhaishan in Jinning. This exhibition brings together more than ten important archaeological sites including Shizhaishan in Jinning, Lijiashan in Jiangchuan, Yangfutou in Guandu, and Hebosuo in Jinning, systematically showcasing the fruitful achievements of 70 years of Dian culture archaeology. Over 200 representative cultural relics of ancient Dian civilization have gathered in Shanghai, including 29 first-class artifacts, with precious artifacts accounting for over 70% of the total. Many important bronze artifacts are being exhibited in Shanghai for the first time. The only drum-shaped shell container depicting a hunting scene, shell containers showing mysterious sacrificial scenes, the exotic two-person plate dance gilded bronze buckle ornament, the cute yet formidable bronze club with standing dog, the ingeniously designed hand-shaped socket bronze ge… These vivid, realistic, and highly distinctive ancient Dian bronze treasures offer audiences a visual feast of ancient Dian civilization with their unique aesthetics.

This is the third exhibition in the China Maritime Museum’s “Pluralistic Unity” series on Chinese civilization, and the first systematic display of ancient Dian Kingdom archaeological discoveries in Shanghai. The special exhibition will be on display until March 9, 2026.

Records of the Grand Historian

The “Records of the Grand Historian” is a monumental history of ancient China written by Sima Qian during the Han dynasty, around 94 BC. It chronicles Chinese history from the mythical Yellow Emperor to his own time, establishing a model for subsequent Chinese historical writing. Its comprehensive biographical format and literary quality have made it a foundational text of Chinese culture for over two millennia.

China Maritime Museum

The China Maritime Museum, opened in 2010 in Shanghai, is a major national institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing China’s maritime history and heritage. Its exhibits chronicle the nation’s long-standing relationship with the sea, from ancient naval exploration and the historic Maritime Silk Road to modern shipbuilding and oceanography. The museum’s striking architecture, designed to resemble the sails of a ship, reflects its purpose of celebrating China’s maritime culture.

Yunnan Provincial Museum

The Yunnan Provincial Museum, located in Kunming, is a major cultural institution showcasing the rich history and diverse ethnic heritage of Yunnan Province. Its extensive collections include artifacts from the ancient Dian Kingdom, as well as exhibits on the province’s unique minority cultures and its role in the Southern Silk Road. The museum moved to its modern, purpose-built facility in 2015, providing a comprehensive overview of the region’s archaeological and ethnographic treasures.

Lijiashan Bronze Museum

The Lijiashan Bronze Museum in Yunnan, China, showcases artifacts from the ancient Dian Kingdom, which flourished from the 5th century BCE to the 1st century CE. The museum’s collection is primarily drawn from the nearby Lijiashan archaeological site, where tombs were discovered containing intricate bronze artifacts. These objects, including distinctive bronze drums and cowrie-shell containers, provide crucial insight into the unique culture and advanced metallurgy of this lost civilization.

Jinning District Museum

The Jinning District Museum is located in Kunming, Yunnan Province, and primarily showcases the history and culture of the Jinning area. Its exhibits notably feature artifacts and historical materials related to the ancient Dian Kingdom, which thrived in the region from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE. The museum serves as an important cultural institution for preserving and presenting the local heritage of this significant historical period.

Seal of the Dian King

The Seal of the Dian King is a solid gold imperial seal unearthed from the tombs of the Dian Kingdom in Shizhaishan, Yunnan, China. Dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 9 CE), this artifact, inscribed with a snake motif, is a powerful symbol of the authority of the Dian monarchs and provides crucial evidence of this ancient, highly developed bronze culture and its interaction with the Han Empire.

Shizhaishan

Shizhaishan is an archaeological site in Yunnan, China, famous for its tombs dating back to the Dian Kingdom (4th to 1st century BCE). The site is renowned for the discovery of elaborate bronze artifacts, including a striking bronze cowrie shell container topped with intricate scenes of Dian life. These finds provide crucial evidence of the sophisticated and unique culture of this ancient kingdom before it was conquered by the Han Dynasty.

Lijiashan

Lijiashan is a mountain village in Yunnan province, China, famous for its well-preserved traditional mud-brick houses built by the Hani ethnic minority. Its history dates back over 600 years, with the village architecture representing a unique adaptation to the local terraced landscape. Today, it is a significant cultural heritage site that showcases the Hani people’s harmonious relationship with their environment.