Britain and China have had a long and complex relationship. This project will trace the journeys of remarkable adventurers as they explored China in search of great riches from the 16th century onwards. From silks and spices, to porcelain and tea; from modern clothing and electronics to the  London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. All of these things have come to Britain from China.

This project gives young people unprecedented access to the internationally important Chinese collections at the Durham Oriental Museum. They are handling original museum objects and go behind the scenes into the stores.

The project is also using old books and manuscripts in the University Archives and are exploring how much trade came to Durham from China by looking at archaeological evidence from the Old Fulling Museum of Archaeology.

But this isn't just about the past. It's also about the present and the future. The young people are actively engaging in oral history with members of the north-eastern Chinese community and people in China whilst also trying their hands at making porcelain pieces and artwork.

The project will culminate with the young people designing, researching and curating their own exhibition at the Oriental Museum to coincide with the London 2012 Olympic Games. It will showcase previously unseen collections to new audiences in new and exciting ways.