China-Portugal Ties: Maritime Silk Road exhibition opens in Lisbon

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Europe

01:43

An exhibition discussing the Forbidden City and the Maritime Silk Road has opened to the public at the Palace of Ajuda in Lisbon. It's part of a program to show off Chinese culture in Portugal.

This exhibition selected 66 artefacts from a collection comprised of over 1.8 million items which represent the Maritime Silk Road. These items present a picture of the interaction and communication of the Ming and Qing courts with the outside world, demonstrating that this route was not only a flourishing trade route but also the bond between imperial China and the world.

"Not many people have the opportunity to go to China to the Forbidden City itself. It is a great pleasure to see a bit there and I hope many people come to see that."

Next year is the 40 year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Portugal, and 20th Anniversary of Macao's Handover to China. The Portuguese Culture Minister said this exhibition is an important part of the China Culture Year programme in Portugal, and will build up understanding among people from the two countries.

GRACA FONSECA PORTUGUESE CULTURE MINISTER "This is a good platform reminding us that we have this long cooperation, this long connection between our two nations and our cultural artefacts and objects. Culture is probably the best way we have to connect countries, to connect people."