AlUla: Wonder of Arabia at the Palace Museum, Beijing: Bridging Global Cultural and Archaeological Engagement Between China and the Arab World

The exhibition AlUla: Wonder of Arabia at the Palace Museum in Beijing showcased the civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly present-day Saudi Arabia, from prehistory to the modern era, through archaeological artifacts unearthed in recent years. In addition to these artifacts, the exhibition incorporated rich audiovisual elements, offering visitors an immersive experience that allowed them to explore the millennia-old livelihoods and civilizations that thrived in the Arabian oases. This review focuses on three main aspects: first, the archaeological significance of the Maritime Silk Road as a broader context for the exhibition; second, an overview of the exhibition itself; and third, a critical review of the exhibition within the context of the Palace Museum’s global vision. Exhibitions like AlUla: Wonder of Arabia, created in collaboration with foreign institutions and scholars, reflect the Palace Museum’s ongoing commitment to cross-cultural exchange and international engagement and thus are intertwined with programs of cultural diplomacy.