Step into a world prior to the age of GPS and wayfinding within our fingertips.

How did people create and utilize maps centuries ago? When we examine old maps, besides appreciating their beauty, we may ponder why they were not primarily created for navigation and did not accurately describe geographic reality. Here is an era of ancient mapmaking when representation of reality was not of foremost concern.

The HKUST Library has amassed a significant collection of Western printed maps of China spanning the 16th to 19th centuries. Since 2015, thanks to the generous donation by Dr. Ko Pui-Shuen, this collection was further enriched. The exhibition features a curated selection of items from this valuable collection, highlighting how the land and geography of China were portrayed by European and Chinese mapmakers.

These maps guide us in transitioning from viewing the world through our contemporary lens to embracing the perspectives of mapmakers from different times in the past. Their presentations may break perception stereotypes, challenge our preconceived notions about the advancement of knowledge and technology throughout history, and impart fresh understanding of ancient maps and mapmaking.

To enrich the stories we convey, the exhibition includes important maps and artifacts beyond those of the HKUST collection. While most of these are image reproductions, there are also notable exhibits such as a special original map on loan from local collector Mr. Ronald Tham and Nestorian crosses from the University Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Hong Kong. We express our deepest appreciation for their support of this exhibition.