CCTV9英语新闻：Artifacts from Qin, Han dynasties hit New York

One of the most exciting exhibitions to hit New York this spring features Chinese art from the Qin and Han dynasties - it's the talk of the town... It even has a new symphony commissioned specially for it by the Chinese contemporary classical composer, Tan Dun.

It takes your breath away a little bit when you first see it! Art from two thousand years ago when China was unified under a common leadership, common language and common culture by the Qin and Han dynasties.

It takes your breath away a little bit when you first see it! Art from two thousand years ago when China was unified under a common leadership, common language and common culture by the Qin and Han dynasties.

"This landmark exhibition, the largest and most important display of Chinese art in the United States this year. establishes a new milestone in U.S.-China cultural exchange," said Thomas Campbell, director of Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The centerpiece is the world famous Terracotta Warriors excavated from the mausoleum of China's first emperor. Many of the 160 objects on display have never been seen in the west before - rare ceramics - metalwork - textiles - sculpture - painting - calligraphy.

The centerpiece is the world famous Terracotta Warriors excavated from the mausoleum of China's first emperor. Many of the 160 objects on display have never been seen in the west before - rare ceramics - metalwork - textiles - sculpture - painting - calligraphy.

"It's a glimpse of life from two thousand years ago - it grabs you - it gives you new respect - extraordinary respect for Chinese culture," he said.

Among the items that caught my eye - the smooth lines of this dancer ... and this ceremonial burial suite, made from pieces of jade, used for royalty.

Tan Dun is best known as the composer of music for the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He says his new work is meant to bring to mind a bridge between the very ancient statues in the exhibition hall next door with something that leads us into the future.

Tan Dun wasn't giving interviews - but in the audience - a craftsman - who produced Tan's first set of terracotta drums - at the time the composer was seeking to have a better understanding of how the earth "sounds" different in the west compared to the east. So what's he like as a friend?

There was much love for Tan Dun and his music here at the Met from both the audience and members of the Juilliard Orchestra ... now these two-thousand-year-old artifacts are on display- Age of Empires is billed as the blockbuster - must-see exhibition - of the spring season - it's here until July 16th.