An exhibition of treasures from the Maritime Silk Road, called Over the Sea, is on display at the Maritime Museum in Quanzhou, Fujian province.

A porcelain stove of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) from the Quanzhou Maritime Museum [Photo by Sun Li/chinadaily.com.cn]

Running until March 8, the exhibition presents more than 200 items from museums in nine cities that once played an active role along the trade and cultural communications route.

The Maritime Silk Road, which ran from China through Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean to Europe, began about the time of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) and reached its peak during the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties.

Exhibits include a wide range of porcelain, silk and other specialties from China together with jewelry and mirrors from Europe as well as some of the earliest Christian relics in China.

By Sun Li from China Daily Fujian Bureau