Sports Culture in Dunhuang Murals: A Journey Across Time at Shanghai Sports Museum

From the Mogao Caves to the Huangpu River, a cultural and sports journey transcending time and space is presented at the Shanghai Sports Museum. On the afternoon of October 15th, the inauguration of the "Millennial Vibrancy Dunhuang Legacy: Exhibition of Sports Culture Themes in Dunhuang Murals ", along with a thematic salon under Magic Shanghai, Magic Sports, was held in the Sports Building. The exhibition brings to light the dazzling luster of the ancient cultural treasures in the new era, showcasing the integration of outstanding traditional Chinese culture and Chinese sportsmanship. Lu Lin, Deputy Director General of Shanghai Administration of Sports, inaugurated the themed exhibition.

Sports Genes in Dunhuang Imprints

The Dunhuang culture, lying at the western end of the Hexi Corridor, is a shining emblem of traditional Chinese culture. The exhibition at the Shanghai Sports Museum is divided into three sections: Playful Leisure - Games and Entertainment in Dunhuang Murals, Fighting Zeal - Competitive Sports in Dunhuang Murals, and Profound Essence - Health Maintenance and Wellness Practices in Dunhuang Murals. With artifacts, murals, models, and multi-media devices, it vividly depicts over 20 traditional sports and recreational activities in the Dunhuang culture, such as archery, horsemanship, martial arts, and ball games. Such immersive experience allows visitors to appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese sports culture. The organizers spent half a year to plan and prepare the exhibition, with significant support from professional institutions like the Dunhuang Academy, Shanxi Provincial Sports Museum, and Beijing Xiang Sports Museum. Featuring 27 replicated sports-themed Dunhuang murals from the Dunhuang Academy and 39 sets of early sports-themed collections loaned for free from the Shanxi Provincial Sports Museum and Beijing Xiang Sports Museum, the exhibition highlights the stunning display of Dunhuang murals, supplemented by a rich array of physical exhibits. The organizers and supporting parties adhere to the concept of "nurturing people through culture and sports", while upholding cultural confidence and strength, so as to contribute to Shanghai's effort to build itself into a modern international metropolis from the aspect of sports culture.

Nourished by the Chinese sporting spirit and excellent traditional culture, Chinese athletes compete in global sports events with greater passion. Among them, the Chinese Rhythmic Gymnastics Team brought the ancient Eastern charm to the Olympic stage. From performing Dunhuang Flying Apsaras at the Tokyo 2020, where they took the fourth place, to breaking Europe's dominance and winning the gold medal with Phoenix Soaring to the Sky at the Paris 2024, Team China's 'Five Golden Flowers' achieved a historic breakthrough while demonstrating cultural confidence through a series of classic Chinese-style performances.

On the vast desert of Dunhuang, there is a legend of flying celestial beings who dance in moonlight. It has inspired the choreography of the Chinese Rhythmic Gymnastics Team. Olympic champion Guo Qiqi, the team captain and an athlete from Shanghai, said, "As rhythmic gymnasts, our team went to Dunhuang to experience the essence of Flying Apsaras in person and explore the beautiful fusion of art and sports. Our goal and dream are to fully illustrate the beauty of Chinese traditional culture and the elegance of the ancient Eastern style on the global arenas."

Exploring Culture in Magic Shanghai, Magic Sports

Over the millennia, sports have become an important form of entertainment for the people of Dunhuang, They engaged in board games, children's games, archery, equestrian skills, as well as wrestling and sumo. The sports embody the survival wisdom, spiritual needs, and value principles of the ancestors, reflect Dunhuang's unique openness and valuable sports culture, and have become a significant part of the sports cultural landscape in China and the world.