A special exhibition on the rich history and culture of silk is kicked off on Feb 6, at the Xizang Museum in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

The exhibition brings together treasures from museums along the ancient Silk Road in Gansu and Sichuan provinces, as well as the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. According to curator Sonam Tso, the oldest exhibits date back to the Han and Jin dynasties (206 BC–420).

Among the highlights is a small brocade fragment from the Xinjiang Museum, featuring flowing cloud patterns alongside horses, deer and qilin, a mythical creature in Chinese culture, reflecting the artistic vitality of the era.