"The Return of the Golden Age: Yuanmingyuan National Treasure Bronze Animal Head and Qing Palace Treasure Exhibition" kicks off at Ordos Museum on Dec 23. [Photo/Ordos Toutiao]

"The Return of the Golden Age: Yuanmingyuan National Treasure Bronze Animal Head and Qing Palace Treasure Exhibition" was grandly inaugurated at Ordos Museum on Dec 23.

This exhibition is expected to be open for free for 58 days and will run until Feb 18, 2024.

The exhibits include the original bronze animal heads of the ox, tiger, monkey, and pig, which were originally part of the Twelve Bronze Heads of the Zodiac located outside Haiyan Hall in Yuanmingyuan during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). 

Originally, the animal heads of Yuanmingyuan were components of a hydraulic clock in front of Haiyan Hall. Built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-1796), Haiyan Hall symbolizes "clear rivers and tranquil seas, and national peace and prosperity."

"The Return of the Golden Age: Yuanmingyuan National Treasure Bronze Animal Head and Qing Palace Treasure Exhibition" is popular on its first day in Ordos. [Photo/Ordos Culture and Tourism]

The human-shaped animal head sculptures in the water fountain in front of Haiyan Hall were destroyed and looted by the British and French forces in 1860 and remained missing for a long time.

In the 1990s, these missing animal heads were subsequently repatriated to China by patriotic State-owned enterprises such as China Poly Group and patriotic individuals like Stanley Ho.

Additionally, there are also three replica animal heads, representing the rat, rabbit, and horse.

In addition to the bronze animal heads, the exhibition showcases over 70 cultural relics, including calligraphy by Emperor Qianlong, porcelain, bronze ware, and jade artifacts used in the Qing court, offering a comprehensive display of the luxury, elegance, and splendor of Qing court art.

During the opening ceremony, 200 outstanding student works related to the animal heads were showcased, providing a platform for young people to understand history and appreciate culture.