Ancient bronze treasures from southwest China showcased in Spain

A visitor views a bronze human head from the Sanxingdui archaeological site during an exhibition on the bronze civilization of southwest China at the Guadalajara Museum in Guadalajara, Spain, on March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

MADRID, March 18 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition showcasing the bronze civilization of southwest China opened on Tuesday evening at the Guadalajara Museum in Spain, presenting the region's diverse ancient cultures and distinctive social life.

Co-hosted by China's National Cultural Heritage Administration and the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha, the exhibition features 58 artifacts or sets from 14 museums and institutions across four provincial-level regions in southwest China, spanning from around 1600 B.C. to 220 A.D.

Among the highlights is a bronze human head from the Sanxingdui archaeological site, placed at the entrance of the exhibition hall. Visitors can explore three themed sections featuring items such as bronze human figures, a parasol-bearing male figurine, and tiger-decorated vessels, offering insights into cultural exchanges and integration in ancient southwest China.

Sara Simon, regional minister for equality of Castilla-La Mancha, said the exhibition promotes the international profile of the Guadalajara Museum and helps local audiences better understand the history of southwest China.

Pablo Bellido, president of the regional parliament of Castilla-La Mancha, stressed that cultural exchange is especially important in today's world and expressed confidence that the exhibition will attract visitors from across the region and beyond.

In a video message, Tan Ping, director of the China Cultural Relics Exchange Center, said the artifacts reflect the wisdom and beliefs of ancient peoples in southwest China and serve as a vivid example of cultural dialogue across time and space.

The exhibition will run until May 15, offering Spanish audiences a rare glimpse into ancient Chinese civilization.

A visitor views an exhibit at an exhibition on the bronze civilization of southwest China at the Guadalajara Museum in Guadalajara, Spain, on March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

A woman visits an exhibition on the bronze civilization of southwest China at the Guadalajara Museum in Guadalajara, Spain, on March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

This photo taken on March 17, 2026 shows an exhibit at an exhibition on the bronze civilization of southwest China at the Guadalajara Museum in Guadalajara, Spain. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

People visit an exhibition on the bronze civilization of southwest China at the Guadalajara Museum in Guadalajara, Spain, on March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

A visitor views an exhibit at an exhibition on the bronze civilization of southwest China at the Guadalajara Museum in Guadalajara, Spain, on March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

People view a bronze human head from the Sanxingdui archaeological site during an exhibition on the bronze civilization of southwest China at the Guadalajara Museum in Guadalajara, Spain, on March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

Visitors view a bronze human head from the Sanxingdui archaeological site during an exhibition on the bronze civilization of southwest China at the Guadalajara Museum in Guadalajara, Spain, on March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)