Two exhibitions tracing Chinese cultural traditions from ancient inscriptions to contemporary art will open together at Qingdao Art Museum on Aug 28, offering visitors a multifaceted look at the heritage and aesthetics of the Yellow River.

The exhibition titled Learning from the Past, Creating the New — Ancient Central Plains Epigraphic Rubbings Research Exhibition will run through Sept 19. Featuring more than 100 rubbings of inscriptions dating from the Shang and Zhou dynasties (c. 16th century-256 BC) to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), it charts the evolution of Chinese writing through oracle-bone inscriptions, bronze inscriptions and later calligraphic styles.

Highlights include rubbings of three Han Dynasty stone gate towers from Songshan Mountain, which are being shown in Shandong for the first time, as well as classic rubbings from the Longmen Grottoes renowned for their Northern Dynasties calligraphy.

Running concurrently through Sept 6, Images of the Great River — An Aesthetic Study of Yellow River Culture brings together more than 50 works by eight artists. Chinese paintings, oil paintings, calligraphy and mixed-media works interpret the landscapes, history and cultural significance of the Yellow River from contemporary perspectives.

The exhibitions are jointly organized by art museums in Zhengzhou and Qingdao as part of Qingdao Art Museum's 2026 exhibition program promoting access to high-quality public art.

Both exhibitions are free to the public. The museum is closed on Mondays.