The “Sound of Harmony” exhibition launches in Riyadh as part of the Saudi-Chinese Year of Culture
In a move reflecting the depth of cultural exchange between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People's Republic of China, the Saudi National Museum in Riyadh is hosting the "Sound of Harmony" exhibition, organized by the Museums Authority in collaboration with the National Museum of China. Opening to the public tomorrow, September 28, and running until December 1, 2025, the exhibition offers an exceptional journey through the history of ancient Chinese music and its instruments, which tell stories spanning thousands of years.
Background of the event: Saudi-Chinese Year of Culture
This prominent cultural event is one of the highlights of the “Saudi-Chinese Year of Culture 2025,” an initiative aimed at strengthening cultural ties and deepening mutual understanding between the two peoples. Saudi-Chinese relations today extend beyond the economic and political spheres to encompass broad cultural and artistic horizons. This exhibition serves as a bridge connecting two great heritages and offers the Saudi public a window into one of the most important components of China’s rich and diverse civilization.
A Journey Through the History of Chinese Music
The “Sound of Harmony” exhibition takes visitors on an inspiring audio-visual journey, showcasing the evolution of Chinese musical instruments throughout the ages. As the Museums Authority invites the public: “From the resonant beats of drums to the melodies of the Chinese lute, the #Sound_of_Harmony exhibition takes you on a journey through Chinese music and its harmonious cultures.” The exhibition begins with the earliest flute, whose melodies were inspired by nature, and continues through the solemn rituals of the Bronze Age, where music was an integral part, culminating in the serene and profound melodies of the guzhen, an instrument associated with philosophy and meditation. The exhibition tells the story of how music shaped the social fabric of China, helped build bridges between cultures, and connected humanity to concepts of the universe and harmony.
Importance and impact within the framework of Vision 2030
Hosting such international exhibitions aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to solidify the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for culture and the arts, and enhance the quality of life by enriching the cultural options available to citizens, residents, and visitors. This collaboration also recalls the deep-rooted historical ties that bound Arab and Chinese civilizations along the ancient Silk Road, which was not merely a trade route, but a vital artery for the exchange of ideas, arts, and knowledge. The “Sound of Harmony” exhibition is a contemporary embodiment of the Silk Road spirit, where cultures converge once again in the heart of Riyadh. Internationally, the exhibition reinforces the Kingdom’s standing as a global cultural destination capable of hosting major international events and reflects its policy of cultural openness, contributing to stronger and more sustainable relations between nations.
