MELBOURNE - A rare collection of ancient Chinese artifacts will transport visitors back in time to the Qing dynasty, as a new exhibition will open at Melbourne's National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) on Friday.

"A Golden Age in China" is a collection of rare and valuable treasures that will be showcased for 12 weeks, and includes pieces of art collected by one of China's most successful Qing dynasty emperors, Qianlong Emperor.

Victoria's Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley said that rare collection was a fantastic addition to the NGV.

"The exhibited works have rarely been on public display in China," he said in a statement on Thursday.

"The exhibition draws us into an era of China's cultural history that resonates across the world to this day. It tells a fascinating story and showcases the richness of Chinese culture."

Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews will open the exhibition on Thursday night, and said that it offers incredible insight into the past of such a mysterious ancient culture.

"This incredible exhibition is an opportunity for Victorians and visitors to see rarely displayed works from China's illustrious Palace Museum in the Forbidden City," he said.

Visitors to the exhibition would be able to see some of the emperor's own works, as well as his extensive collection of weapons, jewelry, pieces of clothing and his impressive imperial seals.