Terracotta Warriors Exhibition: A Cultural Journey for CWCC Seniors and Community Members Between July and August, Chung Wah Community Care (Chung Wah CC) organised a series of special outings to the Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the Qin Emperor exhibition at the WA Museum. Through a series of special outings, participants from the Balcatta and Willetton Community Hubs, along with students from Evergreen College, had the incredible opportunity to explore one of China's most iconic cultural treasures. Let's take a closer look at this enriching experience that brought the community together!
The Terracotta Warriors, created more than two thousand years ago to accompany China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, into the afterlife, are among the most important archaeological discoveries in the world. Co-curated by the WA Museum and cultural heritage institutions in Shaanxi, the exhibition showcased approximately 200 rare artifacts, including 10 original warrior statues from the emperor's tomb, many of which had never been displayed to the public before.
The exhibition spanned the Warring States period to the early Western Han Dynasty. It was presented in seven themed sections: a grand entrance, the geography and timeline of ancient China, daily life, the afterlife, the emperor's tomb, the warriors, and the mysteries surrounding the site. Each section offered deep insights into the craftsmanship, societal structure and spiritual beliefs of the time.
Participants were deeply engaged. Some seniors listened attentively to the guided narration, others quietly discussed the displays, and a few even sketched the life-sized warriors to capture their own impressions of the experience. The lifelike detail of each statue's expression, pose, and attire was striking, bringing history vividly to life.
Importantly, this activity welcomed not only Chung Wah CC's seniors, but also participants from the broader community. This cross-cultural and intergenerational engagement fostered a shared learning experience and strengthened social connections within the community.
After the exhibition, participants explored other sections of the WA Museum, including exhibits on Aboriginal art and culture, Western Australia's natural environment, and modern technological advancements. One participant remarked, "It's wonderful to experience both our own heritage and the diversity of the wider world all in one place."
Chung Wah CC believes that cultural engagement helps community members stay connected to their roots while thriving in a multicultural environment. Through meaningful experiences like this, traditional heritage is passed on, not just as history, but as living knowledge that continues to inspire pride, identity and mutual respect.
