Sponsored by the Capital Museum, two exhibitions themed on this year's zodiac animal, the ox, are ongoing until the Lantern Festival ends on February 10.

A cultural relics show, "Talking about the Ox in the Year of the Ox," displays more than 100 pieces of ox-shaped works, including a bronze ox, jade ox, ceramic ox, clay ox and tree-root-carving ox, as well as ox paintings.

Most of the exhibits come from the collection of the Han Dynasty Yang Mausoleum Museum and Xi'an Jingwen Ox Cultural Museum, in Shaanxi province. The show aims to exhibit ox culture by displaying different kinds of ox collections.

The other exhibition, "Good Luck in the Ox Year," focuses on folk art related to the animal. It is divided into four parts including how to play, and what to eat, sing and give as gifts during the lunar New Year.

More than 10 folk art experts will show off their unique skills in making embroidery figurines, calabash carvings, hairy monkeys, kites, kongzhu, dough figurines and various old toys.

To add vitality and recall the old cultural ambiance of the celebrations, drum ballad performers will also perform during the show.

Peking Opera costumes and properties are displayed beside the stage. Food is also an essential part of the show - visitors will be able to buy roast duck, preserved fruit, dried nuts and melon-shaped maltose.

Admission is free and bookings aren't necessary during the Spring Festival.

(China Daily February 10, 2009)