A tale of China's 5-thousand year history unfolds at Beijing's capital museum. It is encapsulated in 150 exhibits gleaned from museums all around the country.

Here, History becomes palpable - in this bronze vessel, the copper ware, a Buddha statuette, the reliefs and sculptures. The exhibition is unprecedented. On display here are original artifacts. These are not reproductions.

The premiere exhibit is this jade garment threaded with gold wire. The 2000 year old relic is the earliest jade garment ever unearthed. It has the greatest number of jade pieces ever found and is of the highest quality. The craftsmanship is exceptional.

At the center of the hall are these terra-cotta generals, created 2200 years ago. These are from among the seven, unearthed from pit NO.1, near Xi'an, where the army of 5000 terra cotta warriors and horses was discovered.

From the ingenious encased oil lamp to a porcelain jester striking a comic pose, these exhibits are as vivid as moving pictures. The rust, the dents, and tiny flaws attest to their antiquity.

The exhibition comes as the result of a formidable two-year-effort involving 55 museums in 26 Chinese provinces. Each museum reluctantly surrendered its priceless treasures - concerned over the potential for damage. But each did its part in support of the Beijing Olympic Games. More people will see these artifacts than if they remained tucked in local facilities.

Each piece tells a tale of its own. Each recalls vivid memories. Collectively they comprise a grand picture of 5000-years of Chinese civilization.

The Chinese Memory-Treasures of the 5000-year Civilization runs until mid-October at the Capital Museum.