Jilin Provincial Museum – Home to over 120,000 Artifacts

This large-scale exhibition reflects the historical and cultural heritage of Jilin Province. It is divided into five sections: Civilization’s Dawn, Ancient Rhythms of Han and Tang, Majestic Pine and Desert Winds, Splendid Ming and Qing Chapters, and Modern Jilin. The exhibition vividly presents the dramatic history and changes in Jilin since human activities began. It highlights the ongoing exchanges and integrations among various ethnic groups in the border regions, illustrating the grand historical process of creating Chinese culture together.

The majestic Changbai Mountain, the life-giving sources of the Three Rivers, and the fertile Songnen Plain serve as a beautiful home for diverse ethnic groups living together. Here, people from various backgrounds join hands to compose a historical narrative of the great integration of the Chinese nation. The exhibition unfolds the history of Jilin through sites like Wangfu Tun, Xianrendong, and the AnTu people, igniting the flame of life across Jilin’s land.

The early inhabitants settled by rivers, followed water and pasture, and survived through hunting and fishing. Numerous sites and relics are scattered throughout rivers, lakes, mountains, and grasslands, such as the ancient city of Erlong Lake, Xituanshan, Ma’ershan, Guoneicheng, Xigucheng, Tahuzhongzhen, and Wulagu Street. Each location reveals the historical shadows of nature transformed and the fierce struggles of ethnic groups like the Han, Sushen, Fuyu, Xianbei, Goguryeo, Mohe, Balhae, Khitan, Jurchen, Mongolian, and Manchu peoples.

Today, the echoes of history remain in the ancient walls, stone inscriptions, and tomb avenues, holding countless historical mysteries and treasures waiting to be explored and discovered. Jilin, with its vivid memories, portrays a grand scroll of the collective contributions to Chinese civilization by various ethnic groups.

In response to the September 18 Incident in 1931, the Northeast fell under Japanese occupation. During the national war against Japanese invaders, the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army emerged as one of the three major anti-Japanese armed forces led by the Chinese Communist Party. Under exceptionally harsh conditions, they fought tenaciously between the Baishan and Heishui rivers, effectively countering the Japanese Kwantung Army and providing strong support for the nationwide resistance.

Heroes such as Yang Jingyu, Zhao Shangzhi, and Zhao Yiman rose to prominence, dedicating their blood and lives to forge a patriotic narrative of national liberation. To deepen patriotic education and promote the spirit of the nation, the Jilin Provincial Museum, in collaboration with the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army Memorial Museum, launched the Black Soil Military Soul – History Exhibition of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army.

This exhibition offers a comprehensive and systematic showcase of the glorious history and contributions of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army through rich artifacts, documents, and the latest research findings. Meticulously designed, it vividly recreates the heroic achievements of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army and celebrates its great spirit.

The exhibition, titled Black Soil Military Soul – History of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, features clear themes, rich content, innovative formats, and significant highlights. It is divided into six sections: Northeast Occupation, Rising to Resist Japan and Shouldering the Nation’s Salvation, Collaborating in the Flames of War, Challenging the Limits of Human Survival, Sacrificing Lives for the Nation, and Reclaiming the Northeast. It showcases over 500 typical anti-Japanese artifacts and more than 400 precious photographs.

This exhibition hall showcases 62 ethnic and folk artifacts that reflect the unique cultural characteristics of Jilin Province. The hall is divided into several themed areas, including the entrance hall, forest culture exhibition area, fishing and hunting culture exhibition area, ethnic culture exhibition area, and technology culture exhibition area.

Each exhibition area employs a combination of traditional display methods, such as physical artifacts, charts, texts, and scene recreations, alongside modern technological approaches like electronic simulations and video composites. This innovative integration allows for a concentrated showcase of representative intangible cultural heritage projects from Jilin Province, providing visitors with a rich and immersive cultural experience.

The Jilin Provincial Museum houses an exquisite collection of ancient Chinese ceramics, featuring notable items from prehistoric pottery, primitive porcelain, and significant kilns from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

The exhibition includes the vibrant and colorful Tang Sancai (three-color glazed pottery), the delicate and jade-like Ru porcelain, as well as the thick and profound Guan and Longquan celadon. Each piece highlights the exquisite craftsmanship and artistic heritage of Chinese ceramics throughout history, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tradition of ceramic making in China.