An exhibition showcasing the ruins of Khara-Khoto is currently on display at the Alight Room in Shanghai. It is the first comprehensive, immersive exhibition in the world to systematically explore the civilization of this ancient site.

The ancient desert city of Khara-Khoto, located in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, was a major military, economic, and cultural center during the Xixia (1038-1227) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties. Today, its ruins are the best-preserved remains of an ancient city along the northern Silk Road.

The exhibition brings together more than 100 artifacts from four museums: Alshaa Museum, Ejina Museum, Ningxia Museum, and the Xixia Imperial Tombs Museum. Most of these relics are being shown in Shanghai for the first time. Visitors can trace the full arc of the city's history, from its founding as a frontier garrison, through its rise as a Silk Road trading hub, to its eventual burial beneath the sands.

Highlights:

• Key artifacts include ancient texts that laid the foundation for Tangutology (Xixia studies), Buddhist thangka paintings from Khara-Khoto, and imperial carvings from the Xixia tombs.
• A full-scale replica of Cave No 29 at the Yulin Grottoes, created using high-precision digital technology, faithfully recreates the cave's structure, murals, and sculptures, offering visitors a glimpse into the royal grotto art of the Xixia Dynasty.
• A digital map of Khara-Khoto, produced using 4K ultra-high-definition scanning, brings the ancient Silk Road city back to life, enhanced by immersive projections.
• A 180-degree immersive dome offers visitors an unobstructed view of the city's rise and fall.
• A recreated nomadic market evokes the trade and daily life of the ancient city, allowing visitors to step into scenes inspired by its bustling past.
• Throughout the exhibition, public programs, including guided tours, lectures, and hands-on workshops, will also be offered.

If you go

When: July 18 to Oct 7

Where: Alight Room, No 323 Middle Fuxing Road, Huangpu district

Open: 10 am to 6 pm

Ticket price: 98 yuan ($14.5) for adults

Sources: Alight Room, Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism