Angkor's treasures shine in China

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For centuries, the stone faces of Angkor have gazed across Cambodia's tropical plains. Now, some of the civilization's finest treasures have traveled thousands of kilometers to North China, offering visitors a rare glimpse into one of Southeast Asia's greatest ancient kingdoms.

An exhibition showcasing the splendor of ancient Khmer civilization opened at Shanxi Museum on June 5, bringing over 130 artifacts from the collection of the National Museum of Cambodia.

Titled "A Millennium Treasure of Ancient Khmer Civilization", the exhibition brings together Buddhist sculptures, architectural fragments, ceramics and relief carvings that chart the rise of the kingdom of Angkor from its early origins to its zenith. The display offers insights into the region's artistic achievements, religious beliefs and everyday life.

It is the first major exhibition of Khmer antiquities ever held in Shanxi province, and most of the objects are being shown in China for the first time. Many artifacts have never before left Cambodia, according to Shanxi Museum.

Together, the artifacts tell the story of the Angkor civilization, which flourished from around the 9th century to the 15th century. At its height, Angkor served as the political and spiritual center of the Khmer Empire, whose influence extended across much of mainland Southeast Asia. Its most celebrated legacy, Angkor Wat, remains the largest religious monument in the world.