Editor's note: An exhibition of fans made during China's Qing Dynasty (1636-1912 A.D.) opened recently at the Shenzhen Museum. The exhibit features 82 fans made in the city of Guangzhou in Guangdong Province and exported to other countries from the middle of 17th century to the 19th century.

Because Guangzhou was an important stop on the ancient Maritime Silk Road and the only place where foreign trade was allowed by the Qing government for nearly a century, many products, including artistic goods, were manufactured in the city and then exported overseas. These fans not only demonstrate China's artistic achievements in pre-modern times, but also bear witness to the glorious history of Guangdong Province and other coastal regions as important parts of the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

Fans made during China's Qing Dynasty (1636-1912 A.D.) are on display in a current exhibition at the Shenzhen Museum. [Photo/China.org.cn]