A painting depicting Zhong Kui is on display at Wuxi Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

In the brisk and breezy weather, a delightful way to spend your leisure time is exploring the art exhibitions in Wuxi, Jiangsu province. Several museums in the city are currently hosting captivating displays.

Wuxi Museum is hosting two unique exhibitions that seamlessly blend art, whimsy, and traditional heritage.

The first exhibition centers on Zhong Kui, the mythological demon slayer. It uses artwork depicting him as a starting point to explore the evolution of his image from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Whether portrayed as imposing, elegant, tipsy, or playful, Zhong Kui's transformation is fascinating.

Cat-themed exhibition is underway at Wuxi Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

The second exhibition showcases a group of time-traveling cats that bring ancient artifacts to life. This dynamic display breaks from traditional static presentations, inviting visitors to immerse themselves: Step into a silkworm farmer's courtyard, visit literary cats, sneak a peek at the master cat-lover's social circle, and decode the kitties' mysterious purrs.

Cat-themed exhibition is underway at Wuxi Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

More recommendations

The Wuxi Art Museum is showcasing the finest works of the year by artists from the Wuxi Painting and Calligraphy Institute until March 1, 2026. Additionally, it highlights creations from a cultural exchange event between Wuxi and Aheqi County in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on display until Feb 5, 2026.

At the Jiangyin Art Museum, you can explore outstanding woodblock paintings that showcase the creative spirit of contemporary Wuxi artists who remain true to their artistic ideals. The exhibition runs until Jan 3.

The Yixing Museum offers a comprehensive look at three significant peaks in the history of Hunan province's ceramics – Yuezhou Kiln, Changsha Kiln, and Liling Kiln – through over 100 selected pieces. These works illustrate the thousand-year evolution from Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) celadon to late Qing Dynasty five-color porcelain. This exhibition will be available until April 20, 2026.