A captivating exhibition featuring 85 retrieved cultural relics is currently on display at the Zhangzhou Museum in Fujian Province, east China, drawing large crowds of visitors eager to appreciate these national treasures during the National Day holiday.

The collection features a remarkable array of artifacts, including bronze items from the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600 BC-256 BC), stone-carved Buddha statues from the Northern Dynasties (439-581 AD), and the renowned bronze animal heads from the Old Summer Palace.

These items were among the countless treasures that were looted by Anglo-French troops during the Second Opium War in 1860. Of the twelve animal heads, seven have been returned.

Of the pieces shown on display during the holiday, the ox, tiger, monkey, and pig heads the originals, while the rat and rabbit heads are replicas, and the horse head is a reproduction.

As the largest exhibition of retrieved cultural relics ever held in Fujian, the event has attracted nearly 120,000 visitors during the eight-day holiday, which concludes on Wednesday.

"We hope this exhibition will deepen public understanding of China's profound historical and cultural heritage that spans thousands of years, and inspire patriotic enthusiasm," said Li Haimei, head of the museum.

Visitors said the retrieved artifacts have inspired hope and pride as symbols of China's enduring civilization and dedication to preserving heritage.

"When I was a child, I learned about the animal heads in my textbook. Today, I am so happy to see them in person. The exhibits represent more than just themselves; they are a testament to our country's growing strength," said Tang Tingjia, a visitor.