Tusi civilization on exhibition in Guizhou

Important cultural relics from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) have grabbed visitors' attention since they were unveiled last month at the Zunyi Municipal Museum in Zunyi of Guizhou province.

Tusi refers to local minority chieftains during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties (from the 13th century to the 20th century). Imperial officials governed remote areas and borderlands for hundreds of years via such hereditary leaders. Guizhou has abundant Tusi sites and relics.

The exhibition showcases 44 cultural relics, 41 replicas and 49 historical documents and archaeological monographs. It is free for the public and will last until Dec 30 this year.

Zhou Bisu, director of the province's cultural relics and archaeological research institute, says the exhibition serves important educational purposes.

"Guizhou's efforts in archaeological findings are of great significance for the study of Tusi history and culture, filling in a missing part of ancient China's historical civilization," Zhou says.

Zhao Yandi contributed to this story.