Singapore university hosts exhibition detailing history of Shanghai university museums

The history of Shanghai university museums is now being told at an ongoing exhibition at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore through Dec 2.

Titled "The Oriental Pearl: Overseas Exhibition of Shanghai University Museums", the exhibition tells the stories of museums at five Shanghai universities - Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University, Donghua University, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Shanghai Theater Academy.

The exhibits include objects related to shipping, literature, art, calligraphy, textiles and traditional opera. Exhibits from the Qian Xuesen Library and Museum at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, for instance, offer visitors a deeper insight into Qian Xuesen's life through artifacts like the suitcase he used for 40 years and his famous academic works.

Qian was a Chinese scientist recognized as the "father of Chinese aerospace" for his efforts in establishing China's ballistic missile program.

Visitors also have chance to see a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) imperial bronze acupuncture figure, which is part of the collection of the Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a museum at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

These bronze figures were created during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) to educate people about acupuncture.

"I'm very interested in Chinese culture and this exhibition is great chance to know more about it. I hope to go to China to see the splendid artifacts someday," said a student from Nanyang Technological University.

A staff member from Nanyang Technological University believes that the exhibition will open the door for cultural exchanges between universities in Shanghai and Singapore as well as lay the foundation for further dialogues.