Guangzhou Museum of Art Special Exhibition 'Qingzhou Smile': Ancient Qingzhou Buddhist Sculpture Art Exhibition - Multiple Ticket Options Available
✨The first large-scale national treasure exhibition of Qingzhou Buddhist sculptures in South China, featuring 62 stone carving treasures and 22 first-class cultural relics
✨The unique 'Qingzhou Smile' oriental healing aesthetic, the pinnacle of Northern Qi sculpture, and the breathtaking lines of 'Cao-style water-drenched' drapery
✨Thousand-year-old gilded paintings perfectly preserved, national treasures from the Longxing Temple hoard, and physical evidence of the fusion of Silk Road civilizations
✨Comprehensive ticket options: Adult / Concession / 1 Adult + 1 Child / 2 Adults + 1 Child / Professional guided tour tickets available
✨Immersive and tranquil exhibition halls, perfect for solo visits, couples' photo spot, and family art education trips
Package options
Product Info
I. Exhibition Introduction
The 'Qingzhou Smile — Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Buddhist Statues from Qingzhou' has arrived at the Guangzhou Museum of Art. This is the first high-profile, large-scale thematic exhibition of Buddhist statues from the Longxing Temple in Qingzhou to be held in Southern China. The exhibition features 62 national treasure-level stone carvings, including 22 first-class national cultural relics. Spanning nearly 500 years from the Northern Wei, Eastern Wei, Northern Qi, and Sui dynasties to the Northern Song dynasty, the collection provides a comprehensive look at the unique development of the 'Qingzhou Style' of Buddhist art.
All exhibits originate from the Longxing Temple hoard site in Qingzhou, one of the top ten archaeological discoveries in China in 1996. Ancient Qingzhou was a hub at the intersection of the land and maritime Silk Roads, where foreign Gandharan and Gupta art blended with the aesthetics of the Central Plains and Qilu region. This fusion gave birth to the gentle and healing 'Qingzhou Smile,' which redefined Oriental sculptural aesthetics and rewrote the history of Oriental sculptural art.
The exhibition hall features a serene, immersive lighting design, using low-saturation soft light to focus on the faces of the statues, highlighting the subtle and calm smiles that have endured for a millennium. From the slender figures of the Northern Wei and the soft transitions of the Eastern Wei to the artistic peak of the thin, clinging drapery of the Northern Qi, and finally the secularized statues of the Sui, Tang, and Northern Song dynasties, the exhibition presents the complete evolutionary history of Northern Dynasty stone carving art. The exhibits retain traces of thousand-year-old gilding and mineral pigments, allowing visitors to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans up close.
Key national treasures in the exhibition include the Northern Qi Gilded and Painted Standing Buddha, the Contemplative Bodhisattva, and the Vairocana Buddha. The bases of the statues retain numerous inscriptions from donors, truthfully recording the sincere wishes of people in turbulent times for peace and safety, imbuing these cold stone carvings with profound human warmth. The exhibition atmosphere is quiet and healing, perfect for solo meditation, a cultural photo spot for couples, or family educational visits.
II. Ticket Options
1. Official Guided Tour Ticket: Includes exhibition admission + a professional guide for a full tour, providing in-depth interpretation of the cultural background, sculptural aesthetics, and Silk Road history for an immersive understanding of the thousand-year heritage.
2. Full-Price Adult Ticket: For regular adults aged 18–65.
3. Concession Ticket: For students, seniors, and other eligible groups with valid identification. Please bring corresponding valid documents for verification upon entry.
4. 1 Adult + 1 Child Family Ticket: A combined ticket for 1 adult and 1 child, suitable for small family visits.
5. 2 Adults + 1 Child Family Ticket: A family ticket for 2 adults and 1 child, offering better value for a full family visit.
III. Suitable For
Art lovers, history and museum enthusiasts, families with children, students on field trips, couples on cultural dates, those seeking quiet and stress relief, and those looking for a cultural photo spot.
IV. Visitor Tips
1. The exhibition hall is solemn and quiet. Please keep your voice low and do not touch the stone carvings.
2. The lighting in the hall is soft. To protect the thousand-year-old pigments and gilding, please do not use flash photography.
3. For family visits, we recommend purchasing a guided tour ticket, as professional guidance can help children better understand history and art aesthetics.
4. If using a concession ticket, please ensure you carry valid identification such as a student ID or senior citizen card for on-site verification.
V. Exhibition Schedule
1. Exhibition Period: June 20, 2026, to December 19, 2026. Tickets can be used to book visits during this period.
2. Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays (except public holidays), Tuesday to Sunday 09:00–20:30.
3. Last Entry: Ticket checking stops half an hour before closing. Entry is prohibited after 20:00. Please plan your visit accordingly.
II. Booking Instructions (Must Read)
This exhibition requires advance booking. To avoid queues and ensure a pleasant experience, please book your time slot in advance after purchasing your ticket.
1. Booking Channel: After purchasing your ticket, please search for '凡弗一念票務預約' on the WeChat mini-program to select your visit time slot.
2. Booking Requirements: Please book at least 1 hour in advance. If the venue is booked for a private event or a time slot is full, please choose another available time slot.
III. Parking Information
The Guangzhou Museum of Art provides paid parking. Parking spaces are limited. Please follow on-site instructions to enter and exit via Gate East 2.
IV. Public Transport Guide
[Metro Lines]
1. Line 12: Chigang Pagoda Station (Exit B), about a 1-minute walk.
2. Line 3, APM Line: Canton Tower Station (Exit B), about a 12-minute walk.
3. Line 3, Line 8: Kecun Station (Exit A), about a 15-minute walk.
[Bus Routes]
1. Guangzhou Museum of Art Station: 262, 93, 765
2. Yizhou Road East Station: 11, 765
3. Zhujiang Dijing Garden Terminal: Tourist Line 2, 204, 121, 121A, 262
4. Chigang Pagoda Station: 11, 121, 121A, 204, 93, Tourist Line 2, Sightseeing Line 1
5. Canton Tower West Station: 11, 262, 468, Sightseeing Line 1
1. A Major National Treasure Exhibition, a Rare First in Lingnan: Featuring collections from the Qingzhou Museum and Zhucheng Museum, this exhibition showcases 62 Buddhist statues from the Northern Wei to Northern Song dynasties, including 22 national first-class cultural relics. No need to travel to Shandong; enjoy world-class Longxing Temple hoard treasures up close right in your own city. 2. Captivating at First Sight, Healing the Thousand-Year-Old Smile of Qingzhou: Distinguishing itself from traditional solemn Buddhist statues, these statues feature lowered eyes and a gentle smile, earning them the nickname "Oriental Mona Lisa." The Northern Qi dynasty's thin, clinging clothing technique highlights the beauty of the human form. The contemplative Bodhisattva and the gilded and painted standing Buddha statues are must-see centerpieces.
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Experience Location
Location Name: Guangzhou Museum of Art (Guangzhou Art Museum) Hall 1
Address: No. 198, Yiyuan Road, Haizhu District, GuangzhouFAQs
1. Does the 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition at Guangzhou Museum of Art require advance reservations?
Yes, it is highly recommended to make advance reservations for the 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition, especially given its popularity as a major national treasure show. Booking through KKday allows for a convenient and streamlined process, enabling you to secure your preferred visiting time and specific ticket type, ensuring a hassle-free entry experience.
2. What unique artistic features can visitors expect to see at the 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition?
The exhibition showcases the distinctive 'Qingzhou Smile,' known for its gentle and moving oriental aesthetic. Visitors will witness the peak of Northern Qi dynasty sculpture, featuring exquisite 'Cao-style drapery' (曹衣出水) lines, and remarkably preserved millennium-old gold leaf and polychrome paintings on the Buddhist statues, offering a rare glimpse into ancient artistry.
3. Which historical periods and cultural significance does the 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition cover?
The 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition spans over five centuries, from the Northern Wei to the Northern Song dynasties. It vividly illustrates the integration of Silk Road civilizations, presenting national treasures from the Longxing Temple hoard that serve as tangible evidence of profound cultural exchange and artistic evolution during these periods.
4. How many national treasures and important relics are featured in the 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition?
The 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition is a significant collection, featuring a total of 62 precious stone carving treasures. Among these, an impressive 22 pieces are officially designated as first-class cultural relics, highlighting the extraordinary artistic and historical value of the artifacts presented.
5. What types of visitors is the 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition at Guangzhou Museum of Art suitable for?
The 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition is designed to appeal to a diverse audience. It is ideal for individuals seeking a quiet, immersive cultural experience, couples looking for a unique artistic outing, and families interested in parent-child aesthetic education or in-depth academic study of ancient Buddhist art.
6. What makes the 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition a significant cultural event in South China?
This exhibition marks the first large-scale national treasure display of Qingzhou Buddhist sculptures in South China. Its comprehensive collection, including the distinctive 'Qingzhou Smile' and Northern Qi dynasty masterpieces, establishes it as a landmark cultural event, bringing invaluable historical art closer to regional audiences.
7. Are there different ticket options available for the 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition, including guided tours?
Yes, the 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition offers a comprehensive range of ticket types to suit various needs. Options include adult tickets, concessionary half-price tickets, parent-child packages (for one adult/one child or two adults/one child), and specialized tickets that include professional artificial guided explanations for a deeper understanding of the exhibits.
8. What kind of atmosphere or viewing experience does the 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition offer?
The 'Qingzhou Smile' exhibition is presented in an immersive and tranquil hall, creating a serene atmosphere designed for profound appreciation. This quiet setting allows visitors to deeply connect with the beauty of Eastern millennium sculptures, fostering a contemplative experience whether you're viewing alone, with a partner, or on an educational family trip.
