An exhibition highlighting animal-shaped cultural relics opened to the public at Nanjing Museum in east China's Jiangsu Province, according to the museum.

More than 40 cultural relics, including a pottery horse and dog from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) and fish-shaped tri-colored glazed pottery in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), were exhibited in the museum.

There were also specimens of a snub-nosed monkey, crested ibises, and other wild animals at the exhibition.

"My kids have a natural love for animals, which makes the exhibition a perfect opportunity for us and other parents and kids to feel the harmony between humans and nature," said a visitor from Zhejiang Province.

"The exhibition aims to promote love for animals and nature and raise the awareness of environmental protection with the public," said Zheng Jing, head of the social service department of the museum.