Over his decades-long career, Zhang Yimou — one of China's most prestigious directors — has experienced many triumphs, from accepting awards at international film festivals, to helming the opening and closing ceremonies of two Olympic Games.

Yet while these grand achievements define his public legacy, it's probably the smaller moments that will resonate most deeply.

Film enthusiasts can now catch a more personal glimpse of Zhang at Where Dreams Were Created, an exhibition that explores the behindthe-scenes art of cinema, and the largest of its kind in the country.

Near the entrance, a yellowed letter rests behind the display glass. Written on stationery from the Scarlet Bird Hotel — likely in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, based on the telephone number — it captures a simple but heartfelt moment: Zhang missing his mother's home cooking.

In the note, the director asks his mother to bring him some pickles or cold tossed vegetables. Knowing his unpredictable schedule might make him hard to reach, he suggests that his younger brother leave the food at the front desk for Room 311 if he can't be reached by phone.