Why China – Xinjiang, more than five stars come out of the East
On October 20th, during a press visit to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, one journalist expressed a spontaneous reaction upon seeing a Taoist talisman that dates back a thousand years. Malaysian journalist Guo Qiuxiang, known for her work with Sin Chew Daily, couldn’t contain her excitement as she exclaimed in Cantonese, “急急如律令” (“Urgent as the Law Commands”). This phrase instantly brought back memories of Hong Kong films from her childhood.
“My name is Qiuxiang, just like the character from Stephen Chow’s movie ‘Flirting Scholar’!” Guo said, slightly surprised yet feeling a deep sense of familiarity as she encountered a phrase she had only seen on screen come to life before her eyes.
Such encounters with history are palpable at the museum, where artifacts once part of everyday life remind visitors that long before something was classified as “history,” it was real life.
Visitors marveled at ancient delicacies, such as a wonton with a bite taken out, mooncakes reminiscent of those enjoyed today, and pastries shaped like butterflies—each over a thousand years old. Filipino-Chinese television host Li Yancheng was amazed by their beauty, noting, “It feels strange; their designs are incredibly similar to many contemporary gourmet offerings. It turns out that people thousands of years ago could enjoy such beautifully crafted foods, and I can only imagine the delightful flavors!”
The museum provides a stunning connection to ancient lifestyles, revealing striking details that resonate even in the modern day. The legacies of the “Princess of Little River” and the “Loulan Beauty” transcend time and space, captivating visitors with their enduring presence.
One of the most remarkable exhibits is the well-preserved mummy known as the “Loulan Beauty,” dating back 2,800 years. With a vibrant red headband, an intact red dress, and makeup still visible on her face, her slender fingers adorned with shiny henna-dyed nails reflect a sense of fashion that may well have made her an ancient trendsetter.
But among all the artifacts, one piece truly astonished everyone: the Five Stars Out of the East brocade armband. This national treasure, used in ancient archery, is a riot of colors adorned with auspicious patterns like clouds and mythical beasts, featuring the inscription “Five Stars Out of the East Benefiting China.”
This phrase originates from the “Records of the Grand Historian” and describes the celestial alignment of five stars benefiting China when in the east, while those in the west are considered favorable for military undertakings. It is the earliest known artifact with the word “China” discovered in Xinjiang.
As you wander through the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, you can feel the vibrant threads of world civilization interweaving, as if the vast landscapes have always been a loom, continuously weaving cultural narratives carried by both the eastern and western winds.
