The Shanghai History Museum has transformed into an olfactory wonderland with the inauguration of an extraordinary agarwood exhibition, opening its doors to the public on January 24, 2026. This immersive cultural presentation represents a significant collaboration between the Shanghai History Museum and Hainan Museum, showcasing one of the world’s most precious natural commodities through February 22, 2026.
The exhibition presents a comprehensive exploration of agarwood’s cultural significance, historical applications, and artistic representations. Visitors are treated to an array of rare artifacts, including intricately carved artworks, traditional medicinal preparations, and historical documentation that traces the aromatic resin’s journey through Chinese civilization. The curation emphasizes both the scientific properties and cultural heritage surrounding this prized material, known as ‘liquid gold’ in traditional Chinese circles for its exceptional value and versatile uses.
Museum directors from both institutions highlighted the exhibition’s role in promoting interprovincial cultural exchange, particularly between coastal Shanghai and tropical Hainan, where agarwood cultivation has flourished for centuries. The collaboration marks a milestone in cultural preservation efforts, bringing together expertise from both regions to present a holistic narrative of this unique natural treasure.
The sensory experience extends beyond visual displays, with specially designed zones allowing visitors to engage with agarwood’s distinctive fragrance through controlled olfactory demonstrations. Educational workshops accompanying the exhibition provide deeper insights into authentication techniques, conservation challenges, and the sustainable future of agarwood production in contemporary society.