Gandhara art inspires legends

"In the first century, Buddhism spread from Gandhara to China through the Silk Road. We have found a large number of Buddhist figures influenced by Gandhara culture at sites on the Road in China, and also many stone carvings and Buddhist pagodas with Chinese characteristics in Pakistan. They bear witness to the thousands of years of cultural communication between us."

According to Wang Yuegong, deputy director of the Palace Museum, the Gandhara art exhibition is the biggest of its kind ever held in China. It was first conceived of in 2019 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations in 2021, but was postponed due to COVID-19.

"People can get a glimpse of the charm of the art and culture of the Gandhara area through these relics, and feel the sparks coming from the collision of different civilizations and religions," says Hasan. "I hope these artifacts, with their rich connotations, will offer inspiration to visitors."