STORY: Grand exhibition on ancient Egyptian civilization opens in Shanghai
SHOOTING DATE: July 18, 2024
DATELINE: July 19, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:29
LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the exhibition
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): YAN HAIYING, Chief curator of the exhibition, Professor at Peking University
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): XUE JIANG, Egyptology scholar from Shanghai International Studies University
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ALI ABDELHALIM, General Director of Egyptian Museum

STORYLINE:

A grand exhibition on ancient Egyptian civilization, the largest of its kind held outside Egypt over the past 20 years, opened Wednesday in Shanghai.

A total of 788 artifacts from Egypt, along with ancient Chinese artifacts, are on display at the Shanghai Museum, offering visitors an artistic feast from the two ancient civilizations.

The exhibition, "On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt," is co-hosted by the Shanghai Museum and the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) of Egypt.

Curated by Chinese scholars, the exhibition provides a comprehensive presentation of ancient Egyptian civilization and showcases the latest results of joint archaeological efforts between China and Egypt.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): YAN HAIYING, Chief curator of the exhibition, Professor at Peking University
"We aim to offer a systematic and comprehensive introduction to Egyptian culture for enthusiasts. To achieve this, we have curated cultural artifacts that span royal power, divine worship, social dynamics, beliefs in the afterlife, and everyday life, striving to present an immersive experience."

Over 400 newly unearthed artifacts from Saqqara, an important burial site in ancient Egypt, are being exhibited for the first time worldwide.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): XUE JIANG, Egyptology scholar from Shanghai International Studies University
"Saqqara was the starting point and also the culmination of ancient Egypt. It's a tourist destination, a cultural sanctuary, and a pilgrimage site for ancient Egyptians, making it an irreplaceable point. Securing our project there for joint archaeological efforts is a tremendous privilege and brings me great happiness."  

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ALI ABDELHALIM, General Director of Egyptian Museum
"There are several similarities between Chinese civilization and Egyptian civilization. This is just the beginning, and we hope for further cooperation. I see a beautiful future, an illuminated future between Egypt and China."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Shanghai, China.
(XHTV)