Legacy of the south

South China's Guangdong province has been a gateway for exchanges between the country and the rest of the world since ancient times. Its thriving art scene exhibits the integration of various regional cultures across the country and the introduction of Western art.

A selection of collections from the Guangzhou Museum of Art now on show at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing offers a glimpse into the booming art market in Guangdong from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

A prosperous economy motivated extensive exchanges between homegrown artists and cultural figures who traveled to the province. Many business owners built private art collections that further boosted creativity.

The exhibition, running until Feb 16, is the latest installment of Ink Splendor and Cultural Context, a series in which the national art museum collaborates with art museums around the country that rotate exhibits in Beijing.

9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays. 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6400-1476.