Encountering the Distant Egyptian Civilization at the Shanghai Museum

During this journey, the most unexpected and delightful surprise was discovering the spectacular "Ancient Egypt Special Exhibition" at the Shanghai Museum. Initially, I was just looking for a quiet, culturally rich place to stroll, but I ended up witnessing mummies and authentic statues, a truly time-traveling experience. Located at People's Square, the museum is easily accessible, and its architecture, blending the Chinese philosophy of "round heaven and square earth," is a sight in itself. The Egyptian exhibition was held in the temporary exhibition hall, featuring artifacts from the Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy. The collection was extensive and remarkably well-preserved, evoking goosebumps as I admired each piece. From gold ornaments, pottery figurines, animal mummies, to statues of deities and hieroglyphic steles, every artifact made me pause and marvel. The lighting and layout of the exhibition were meticulously designed—calm yet engaging—creating an atmosphere that encouraged visitors to take their time and immerse themselves. The most striking piece for me was a real mummy, lying quietly in a transparent case. Its presence was so profound that I couldn't help but imagine what it might have been like when it was alive. Beyond the exhibition itself, the Shanghai Museum's visitor-friendly design stood out. Both Chinese and English descriptions were clear and easy to understand, and scanning QR codes with a smartphone provided audio guides. Admission was free, requiring only an online reservation, making it very accessible for travelers. If you're interested in ancient civilizations and happen to be in Shanghai, this Egyptian exhibition is truly worth a visit. It's not just a display of history but an immersive dialogue with time. 🕰️📜