BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition showing 37 sets of cultural relics and over 120 contemporary paintings and calligraphy works opened at the National Museum of China on Thursday.

With the theme of auspicious signs, the exhibition shows Chinese cultural relics including calligraphy works of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and collections of Emperor Jiaqing of the Qing such as hanging screens, most of which are being shown to the public for the first time.

Couplets and paintings featuring the Chinese Lunar New Year created by contemporary artists are also presented at the exhibition to show the charms of Chinese culture and express the artists' New Year's wishes.

Jointly held by the National Museum of China, the China Artists Association and the China Calligraphers Association, the exhibition will last until Feb. 29.