Journey Through the Lost City of Niya in "Seven Days"

Many first heard of the ancient city of Niya through the popular online novel, *Ghost Blows Out the Light*. It introduced readers to a civilization that once existed but has since vanished into the mists of time. The new exhibition, "Seven Days in Niya: A Digital Exhibition of Xinjiang's Niya Ruins," invites visitors to become archaeologists and explore this legendary culture long buried in the desert through a "seven-day" journey. These "seven days" represent seven themes, unveiled across seven exhibition halls: Discovery, Restoration, Time Travel, Deciphering, Reflection, VR Experience, and Handicrafts. Each offers a glimpse into this mysterious kingdom, once one of the "Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions." The star exhibit is undoubtedly a replica of the national treasure, the "Five Stars Rise in the East; Benefitting China" brocade armguard. Unearthed in 1995 at the Niya ruins in Minfeng County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang, this Han Dynasty artifact bears eight seal script characters woven across its surface. Here's what you need to know about these eight characters: 📍 "Five Stars Rise in the East; Benefitting China" is an ancient Chinese astrological term. The five stars refer to the five planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. 📍 "East" refers to a specific celestial position in ancient Chinese astrology. 📍 "China" at that time referred to the Central Plains and the capital region in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, a geographical concept. This is the earliest artifact bearing the characters "China" ever discovered in Xinjiang. 📍 The phrase "Five Stars Rise in the East; Benefitting China" is actually followed by 13 more characters: "Attack Southern Qiang, Four Barbarians Submit, Xiongnu Surrender, Infinitely Auspicious with Heaven." The complete phrase suggests that the alignment of the five stars in the east is auspicious for China, enabling the conquest of the Southern Qiang people, the submission of the four barbarian tribes, and even the surrender of the Xiongnu, all in accordance with the will of heaven. 📍 Through research on this "five-star conjunction," scientists have calculated that a rare alignment of these five planets will occur on September 9, 2040. 📍 In 2002, the "Five Stars Rise in the East; Benefitting China" brocade was included in the first batch of cultural relics prohibited from being exhibited abroad. The "Five Stars Rise in the East; Benefitting China" brocade is displayed in Hall 4. This hall also features an interactive "Five Star Loom" installation, allowing visitors to experience the fun of weaving brocade with modern technology while admiring other artifacts unearthed from the Niya ruins. "Seven Days in Niya: A Digital Exhibition of Xinjiang's Niya Ruins" Location: ALIGHT ROOM, Lafayette Art Center (323 Fuxing Middle Road) Exhibition Dates: January 25–July 25, 2025 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–7pm (last entry 6pm) #