Ancient artifacts depicting the fascinating age of the pharaohs attract thousands, as tickets quickly sell out, reports Zhang Kun in Shanghai.

Despite the scorching heat of 37 C, visitors formed long lines in front of Shanghai Museum on July 19, eager to catch the first glimpse of the much-anticipated exhibition, On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt, which opened to the public that day.

In the coming 13 months, the largest showcase of ancient Egyptian artifacts in Asia will be held at the museum on People's Square in downtown Shanghai, featuring 788 objects selected from seven institutions around Egypt.