TAIYUAN, China — Cambodia has officially dispatched a collection of 136 priceless ancient Khmer artifacts to China for a major five-month exhibition at the Shanxi Museum. The rare collection spans more than a millennium of history, featuring masterworks dating from the prehistoric era all the way through the post-Angkorian period.
According to an official statement from Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the artifacts were meticulously curated and selected from the permanent collection of the prestigious National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh.
‘Angkor and the Art of Ancient Khmer’ Debuts in Shanxi
The landmark exhibition, titled “Angkor and the Art of Ancient Khmer,” is being hosted at the Shanxi Museum in Shanxi Province, China. The highly anticipated cultural event will run from June to October 2026, offering international audiences a rare glimpse into the spiritual and artistic evolution of the Khmer Empire.
Authorized by the Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, a specialized working team led by Undersecretary of State H.E. Ly Vanna traveled to China to personally oversee the delicate installation and official inauguration of the artifacts.
Deepening Historic Ties and Boosting Tourism
The ministry emphasized that the exhibition serves a dual purpose: celebrating the unparalleled vibrancy of ancient Khmer art and reinforcing the deep-rooted historical and diplomatic ties between Cambodia and China.
“This display underscores the close cooperation between Cambodia and China in promoting Khmer culture and civilization to the Chinese public—a people historically connected to Cambodians since ancient times.” — Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts
Expected Impacts of the Exhibition:
- Cultural Diplomacy: Strengthening bilateral relations through shared heritage and public education.
- Tourism Boost: Inspiring a new wave of Chinese travelers to visit Cambodia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
- Global Awareness: Showcasing the historical depth of Cambodian artistry beyond the traditional boundaries of Southeast Asia.
Exhibition Draws Massive Crowds in Opening Week
The exhibition has already generated immense public interest, drawing massive crowds of local residents, historians, and art enthusiasts within its opening days.
Museum officials report that the breathtaking displays of centuries-old sculptures, pottery, and religious iconography have significantly captured the public imagination, sparking renewed enthusiasm among Chinese tourists to plan future travel to explore Cambodia’s iconic ancient temples firsthand.
