Tourism Office
Golden Eminence: Treasures from the Palace Museum and the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery is the highly anticipated exhibition at the Macao Museum of Art (MAM), featuring precious cultural relics from snowy mountains and high plateaus, drawn from the Palace Museum’s collection. The arrival of these treasures, which boast hundreds of years of history, in Macao presents an invaluable opportunity for local audiences and visitors. I sincerely offer my congratulations!
Tibet is on the Tibetan Plateau, the world’s highest plateau, and it is renowned for its numerous freshwater sources that give life to some of Asia’s largest rivers. Its mysterious and gorgeous snowy landscape has fascinated countless tourists over the years. Tibetan Buddhism, as one of China’s three major branches of Buddhism, has had a profound impact on the Tibetan people, their lifestyle, their culture and their knowledge. Monasteries embody the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, serving as cradles for Buddhist culture and hubs for Buddhist education and teaching. Today, monasteries provide historical evidence and rich treasure troves. Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447, is located in Shigatse, the highest city in our country. It is one of the four great Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Tibet and has been the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas from the Gelug lineage.
The seventh Panchen Lama had a Han Buddhist chapel built in the monastery, which was dedicated to Emperor Qianlong. A side chamber in the hall showcases the gifts that were presented to successive Panchen Lamas by emperors during the Qing dynasty. Among the many treasures are sacred gold albums, gold seals, textiles, jade ruyis (wish-granting sceptres), gold and silver cups, Buddhist sculptures and prayer beads. These cultural relics bear witness to the close ties between the imperial courts and Tibet, as well as the friendship between the Han and Tibet regions. Golden Eminence showcases precious cultural relics from the Palace Museum and the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Macao, providing the audience a glimpse of the artisans’ excellent craftsmanship. The exhibits explore the Huaxia civilisation and China’s multi-ethnic and inclusive culture, blending the artistic and historical contexts. The show is one of the highlights of the year and is surely not to be missed.
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) continues to optimise the ‘tourism +’ concept and further integrate the ‘tourism +’ industries. Tourism and its related industries in Macao are also being continuously developed and diversified to consolidate the city’s offer and its positioning as a world centre of tourism and leisure. Most tourists visit Macao for its celebrations, festivals and events. In line with this, the MGTO will continue to promote its ‘tourism + celebration’ offerings. The exhibition Golden Eminence: Treasures from the Palace Museum and the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery showcases an array of cultural relics, highlighting our country’s multi-ethnic unity and inclusiveness. This meaningful exhibition will surely bring an artistic feast to – and make a spiritual impact on – tourists who visit Macao during the upcoming festive celebrations. I wish this exhibition great success.
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes
Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office