Since ancient times, gold has been treasured. By virtue of its rarity and permanence, it came to symbolize power, status, wealth, and sacredness in religion. Over thousands of years, the production, craftsmanship, use, and circulation of gold gave rise to objects of dazzling brilliance and manifold forms. These gold artifacts not only embody rich layers of historical and cultural meaning, but also serve as vessels of civilization and vital links between cultures—golden threads that connect and bear witness to the encounters and integration of diverse peoples and traditions.

The gold objects presented in this exhibition trace back as early as the 15th century BCE. China's earliest known gold artifacts originated in the northwestern frontier regions, areas deeply engaged with the Eurasian steppe. With the increasing movement of peoples, the growth of trade, and the spread of technologies, gold began to circulate more widely across the Central Plains, becoming an integral part of China's material culture.

The theme "Threads of Gold" speaks not only to the splendor of the material itself, but also to the ceaseless threads of cultural exchange it represents. Through more than 170 gold objects from the western and northern steppe, the Central Plains, and the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, this exhibition surveys over three millennia of Chinese gold craftsmanship. It explores how these works became enduring witnesses to cultural interaction and mutual learning between the Central Plains and surrounding regions—particularly through the Steppe Route and the Silk Road.

Time: Until March 1, 2026

Venue: Room B, Capital Museum