An exhibition titled "Smile: Imprints of the Chinese Spirit in Cultural Relics" is currently on display at the Liaoning Provincial Museum in Shenyang, Liaoning province, and will run through 22 October. The exhibition showcases over 300 cultural relics from across China, spanning an 8,000-year timeline. These artifacts include pottery, jade items, bronze objects, stone statues, paintings, and sculptures, all sourced from 38 cultural institutions nationwide, such as the National Museum of China and the Henan Museum. Among the standout pieces is a Neolithic pottery shard from the Hemudu site in Zhejiang province, dating back thousands of years. The shard features two dots that represent eyes and a curved line that resembles a mouth, creating a visual likeness to a modern-day emoji. Another highlight is a sculpted pottery human head from the Shuangdun site in Anhui province, adorned with dot patterns on its cheeks and what is believed to be a sun symbol on its forehead. The pottery also contains natural mica, a mineral that gives the piece a subtle shimmer. The exhibition delves into the spiritual essence of the Chinese nation, emphasizing values such as benevolence, open-mindedness, inclusiveness, and optimism. Many visitors find themselves smiling at the endearing relics on display, creating a spontaneous and cross-generational connection. Liu Yun, director of the exhibition planning department at the Liaoning Provincial Museum, explains that the exhibition aims to bridge the gap between the public and cultural relics, encouraging people to relax and find personal resonance with the artifacts. The exhibition spans from the Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 220) to the Song Dynasty (960–1279), showcasing daily life through figurines of working people and performers at banquets, all depicted with lively and relaxed expressions. A notable piece is a kitchen worker figurine from the Eastern Han Dynasty, which appears to be smiling and ready to process ingredients like fish on a chopping board resting on a water basin. Inside the basin, a tiny fish seems to leap out, capturing the calm joy of an ordinary laborer. Other sections highlight Buddhist sculptures, literati paintings, and calligraphy, including a serene Guanyin statue with a soft, calming smile. The exhibition also features artifacts from the Silk Road, illustrating the exchange of ideas and goods between China and other civilizations, as well as modern artworks depicting the innocence of children and the joy of people from different ethnic backgrounds.