An exhibition on authentic Song Dynasty bird-and-flower paintings opens at the Zhejiang Provincial Museum on Nov 10. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

An exhibition titled Nature in Chinese Art: The Birds in Song Dynasty Paintings of the 10th-13th Centuries opened at the Zhejiang Provincial Museum in Hangzhou on Nov 10, marking the museum's 95th anniversary.

Featuring 15 authentic Song Dynasty (960-1279) paintings, 28 high-definition reproductions, and 39 modern bird photographs, the exhibition offers visitors an immersive exploration of the natural and artistic worlds of the Song era.

The Song Dynasty is celebrated as a pinnacle of Chinese art, with its bird-and-flower paintings renowned for their stunning realism and vivid detail. The exhibition is divided into three sections: Tracing the Past, Exploring the Wild, and Entering the Scene.

A pair of XR glasses allows a visitor to go on an immersive exploration of an ancient painting. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Among the highlights is Li Di's Hawk and Pheasant in Autumn Map, which allows viewers to wear 3D glasses to step into the dynamic hunting scene painted over 800 years ago. Interactive displays, such as a 17-meter digital scroll of Flowers of a Hundred Varieties and XR recreations of Song imperial gardens, add a modern depth to the exhibit.

The exhibition runs until Jan 9, 2025, offering a rare opportunity to experience the artistry and natural beauty of the Song Dynasty.

The 17-meter digital scroll of Flowers of a Hundred Varieties. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Visitors are impressed by the juxtaposition of Song Dynasty paintings with modern bird photography. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A boy and his mother appreciate a Song Dynasty painting. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]