Trade also accelerated the improvement of porcelain-making techniques, he says at a lecture on the exhibition's opening day. For example, he notes, China's blue-and-white pottery reached a very high technological and artistic level in the 15th century, and part of the reason was the fine pigments imported from the Arabian countries.

In addition to presenting objects and historical documents, the exhibition also features models of the ships and video recordings of the excavations and devices, allowing visitors to learn about ancient ship-building techniques, sea voyages and ceramics trading.

"We hope the exhibition will improve people's understanding of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and inspire more communication among different countries today," says Wang Yu, deputy director of the China Maritime Museum.

The museum, which opened in 2010, showcases China's rich maritime history, navigation, ship building and naval affairs.

If you go

9:30 am-4 pm, May 8-Aug 7, closed on Mondays. 197 Shengang Avenue, Lingang New City, Pudong, Shanghai. 021-6828-3687.