The institute is responsible for exploring the history of cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world in ancient Chinese and foreign court diplomacy, the Silk Road, literature and art, and science and technology. It conducts systematic research on foreign cultural relics and Ming and Qing court-related documents in the Palace Museum and provides academic support for such exhibitions. The institute also studies and analyzes the international cultural exchange activities since the museum's establishment and provides valuable references and suggestions that support the formulation of national strategies for public diplomacy and cultural exchanges.

Honorary Directors: Guo Xiaoling, Yu Hui

Director: Xiang Kunpeng

Deputy-Director: Bo Haikun