The Palace Museum embodies the cultural genes of the Chinese nation and stands as a hallmark of Chinese civilization. To help the world better understand Chinese civilization and the Chinese nation, the Palace Museum, in collaboration with the University of Stirling (UK), has produced a free English-language course series titled "The Forbidden City and Its People: Exploring Chinese Heritage with the Palace Museum". The series of courses was launched for trial operation on overseas online learning platform on April 13, open to users worldwide free of charge. It will be officially released on the multilingual website of the Palace Museum starting from 18 May. Visitors can click the course link on the homepage to watch them. https://intl.dpm.org.cn/index.html?l=en   The Palace Museum Multilingual Website https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/the-forbidden-city-and-its-people The overseas online learning platform As an overseas communication initiative of the Palace Museum's cultural heritage, the course series is divided into six thematic modules, comprising over 110 high-quality learning units: Introduction to the Forbidden City: Architecture and Construction Focus on Design: Specialised Buildings, Decorations and Interiors The Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and Their Stories Imperial Women in the Forbidden City Workers in the Forbidden City: Courtiers and Servants From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum Designed from the perspective of international audiences, the courses incorporate a range of formats, including videos, illustrated texts, interactive quizzes, and animations. These approaches present specialised historical and cultural knowledge in an accessible and engaging manner, moving beyond traditional models of cultural dissemination and precisely  target the core interests of global culture enthusiasts in the Palace Museum. Following the launch, both teams will continue to collect user feedback, conduct data analysis, and produce evaluation reports. By examining users' learning behaviors, areas of interest, and levels of understanding, the project aims to refine perspectives on cultural communication in an international context, provide valuable references for museum education and international audience engagement, and explore more effective cross-cultural communication strategies. The Palace Museum and the University of Stirling signed a memorandum of understanding in 2016, leading to sustained collaboration in areas such as cultural heritage conservation, talent development, and academic research, with particularly in-depth cooperation in projects such as the conservation of metal and masonry structures. In 2023, both parties reached a consensus on collaborating to promote traditional Chinese culture internationally. The "Overseas Communication of Palace Museum Cultural Heritage" project was formally launched in 2024. The free English-language course series "The Forbidden City and Its People: Exploring Chinese Heritage with the Palace Museum" represents the outcome of this collaboration.

The exhibition “Divine Steeds: The World of Horses in the Palace Museum’s Painting and Calligraphy Collections” opened on April 22 at the Gallery of Painting and Calligraphy of the Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua dian) in the Palace Museum. Running from April 22 to June 21, 2026, the exhibition brings together 55 horse-themed works from the museum’s collection. The selection highlights the vitality and expressive power of horses in Chinese art while showcasing the depth and enduring appeal of traditional culture. The opening ceremony of the exhibition “Divine Steeds: The World of Horses in the Palace Museum’s Painting and Calligraphy Collections” is held in Beijing, April 21, 2026. The opening ceremony took place on April 21 at the Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua dian). Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum, and Lester Huang, chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), attended and delivered remarks. Lou Wei, executive deputy director of the Palace Museum, presided over the event. The exhibition is exclusively sponsored by the IoP. Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum, speaks at the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Divine Steeds: The World of Horses in the Palace Museum’s Painting and Calligraphy Collections” in Beijing, April 21, 2026. Wang said the horse symbolizes perseverance and steady progress, which resonates with the Palace Museum’s guiding principles of integrity, reverence, and dedication to heritage preservation. He noted that the exhibition aims to promote the uplifting spirit of resilience, encourage appreciation of classical masterpieces, and offer insight into the social history and cultural values reflected in artworks from different periods, thus allowing visitors to understand the vastness and profundity of Chinese culture. Lester Huang, chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy, speaks at the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Divine Steeds: The World of Horses in the Palace Museum’s Painting and Calligraphy Collections” in Beijing, April 21, 2026. Through its four sections — “Journey and Leisure,” “Pasturing and Grazing,” “Martial Prowess, and “Divine Steeds” — the display showcases 55 paintings and calligraphy works, among which 28 are debuting for the very first time and 20 are national first-grade cultural relics. Highlights include One Hundred Horses attributed to a Tang Dynasty (618-907) painter-, Li Gonglin’s copy of Wei Yan’s Pasturing Horses (Northern Song Dynasty, 960-1127), Six Steeds of the Zhao Mausoleum” by Zhao Lin (Jin Dynasty, 1115-1234), Man Riding a Horse by Zhao Mengfu (Yuan Dynasty, 1271-1368), Horses Leaving the Stable by Ren Renfa (Yuan Dynasty), and Kanhuliu from the series Ten Steeds by Giuseppe Castiglione (Qing Dynasty, 1644-1911).

Jointly organized by the Palace Museum and the Cultural Heritage Administration of the Xizang Autonomous Region, together with several other cultural institutions, the exhibition “Beyond Time: The History, Culture and Art of Sakya Monastery” officially opened to the public on Tuesday at the Main Hall and the East Wing Gallery of the Meridian Gate (Wumen) in the Palace Museum. Grounded in achievements of relevant academic research, the exhibition brings together more than 200 rare and valuable artifacts across four sections: “The History of Sakya Monastery,” “Grand Unity,” “The Culture and Art of Sakya Monastery,” and “Treasures of Sakya Monastery.” Through tracing the history of the millennium-old Sakya Monastery, the exhibition showcases its distinctive artistic traditions, and explores its significant role in the development of China as a unified multi-ethnic country. It will run through May 10, 2026. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was held on Monday at the Hall of Embodied Treasures (Baoyun lou) in the Palace Museum. The event was attended by Wang Xudong, member of the Party Leadership Group of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and director of the Palace Museum; Xu Zhitao, member of the Party Leadership Group and vice chairman of the People’s Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region; Zheng Xinmiao, former director of the Palace Museum; Liu Yuzhu, chairman of the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation; Yanjue, president of the Buddhist Association of China; Song Xinchao, chairman of the Chinese National Committee for the International Council on Monuments and Sites; Sun Jiwei, a first-level inspector of the Office for the Organization and Research of Ancient Books under the National Ethnic Affairs Commission; Du Haijiang, Party secretary and deputy director of the Palace Museum; Zhang Ling, a second-level inspector of the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the MCT; Tenpa Yarphel, a second-level inspector of the General Office of the People’s Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region; Zhao Xingbang, member of the Party Leadership Group of the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Xizang Autonomous Region, and Party secretary and deputy director of the Cultural Heritage Administration of the Xizang Autonomous Region; Lodro Gyatso, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and executive deputy director of the Sakya Monastery Management Committee; and Winnie Yip, head of Charities (Culture; Sports; Community Engagement) at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Also present were representatives from institutions affiliated with the MCT and the National Cultural Heritage Administration; relevant departments under the People’s Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region and the Beijing Municipal People’s Government; the Institute of Philanthropy (the exhibition’s exclusive donor); as well as representatives from related associations, academic societies and foundations, participating cultural institutions, and invited partner organizations. The opening ceremony was presided over by Wang Yuegong, deputy director of the Palace Museum. Founded in 1073, Sakya Monastery stands majestically on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, between the Himalayas and the Yarlung Zangbo River. It is the birthplace of the Sakya Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Drawing on cultural traditions from multiple ethnic groups and artistic influences from neighboring countries and regions, the Sakya Sect developed a distinctive legacy, leaving a remarkable imprint on the history of Chinese art and culture as well as on the development of China as a unified multi-ethnic country. In the 13th century, Sakya Pandita and his nephew Phagpa led a delegation to meet the Mongol prince Godan at the historic Liangzhou Talks. This meeting made a significant contribution to Xizang’s formal incorporation into the centralized administration of the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) and helped lay the foundations for a unified multi-ethnic nation. As a guardian and steward of fine traditional Chinese culture, the Palace Museum is committed to preserving the authenticity and integrity of cultural and historical heritage in its collection. Since the Palace Museum and the Xizang Autonomous Region signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement in 2015, the two sides have steadily deepened collaboration in the field of cultural heritage. Together, they have presented major exhibitions such as “The Fortune and Longevity of Sumeru: An Encounter between the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and the Palace Museum” and “Auspicious Beginnings: Joint Exhibition of Artifacts from the Palace Museum and Xizang,” while also advancing systematic foundational work on the survey, documentation, and research of Xizang’s cultural heritage. This exhibition is jointly organized by the Palace Museum, the Cultural Heritage Administration of the Xizang Autonomous Region, the Sakya Monastery Management Committee, Mindrolling Monastery, the Xizang Museum, the Potala Palace Management Office, the Norbulingka Management Office, the Cultural Palace of Nationalities, and the Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau of Laishui County, Hebei Province, along with several other cultural institutions. By presenting the historical and cultural legacy embodied in the artifacts of Sakya Monastery, the exhibition demonstrates how the diverse ethnic groups of China have worked together to shape a rich and enduring civilization. In doing so, it aims to foster a stronger sense of community for the Chinese nation and to promote the continued preservation and development of fine traditional Chinese culture.

Dear visitors, During the 2026 Spring Festival, the opening hours of the Palace Museum are as follows: Closed on February 16 (Chinese New Year’s Eve). Open on February 15 and from February 17 to 23, with operating hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Last entry on those days is at 3:30 pm. Please plan your visit accordingly. The Palace Museum February 10, 2026

The opening ceremony of the educational exhibition “What If Colors Could Speak?” was held at the Palace Museum on December 30, 2025. It is a special immersive learning experience offered by the Museum to young audiences. The event was attended by Wang Xudong, member of the Party Leadership Group of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and director of the Palace Museum; Liu Huabin, director of the China National Museum of Women and Children; Zhu Hongwen, deputy director of the Palace Museum; Zhang Yan, deputy director of the Dongcheng District Education Commission of Beijing; Wu Wei, deputy director of the Secretariat of the Beijing Students’ Jinfan Painting and Calligraphy Association; Wang Yue, director of the Dongcheng District Children’s Palace; Wang Lei, Party secretary and president of the Beijing No. 5 High School Education Group‌; Song Haihong, principal of Beijing No. 65 Middle School; He Haiying, Party secretary and principal of Donghuamen Kindergarten and Beijing No. 3 Kindergarten; Bi Shan, vice principal of Guangqumen Middle School; Gao Wa, director of the Beijing No.1 Kindergarten Party and Administrative Office; as well as school leaders, teachers, and student representatives from partner institutions. The program opened with a song-and-dance performance by children from Beijing No. 3 Kindergarten. Their original piece, “The Palace Museum: A Home of Colors,” presented the exhibition’s core idea from a child’s perspective, highlighting color as the most direct and vivid language through which children understand the Palace Museum. Students from Beijing No. 3 Kindergarten perform at the opening ceremony of an exhibition “What if Colors Could Speak?” in Beijing, Dec. 30, 2025. In her remarks, Zhu Hongwen said that the exhibition, introduced at the turn of the year during the Palace Museum’s centennial celebrations, reflects the museum’s efforts to advance educational innovation and build a more dynamic institution. She noted that the exhibition uses color to explore themes such as heritage protection, craftsmanship, cultural exchange, and sustainable development through interactive and experiential formats. She expressed hope that the exhibition would encourage young visitors to develop a closer understanding of cultural heritage and take part in its future preservation. Zhu Hongwen, deputy director of the Palace Museum, speaks at the opening ceremony of the exhibition “What if Colors Could Speak?” in Beijing, Dec. 30, 2025. Representatives of the curatorial team then introduced the exhibition’s concept and themes. The exhibition was developed in response to the practical question of how to present the stories behind the Palace Museum’s artifacts and architecture in ways that are clear, engaging, and suitable for young audiences. Color was chosen as the main interpretive framework because it is easy to understand for all age groups. Using the “three primary colors” system well-known by young people as a scientific and visual reference, the exhibition is organized into six thematic sections: Color Palette, Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, and White. Each section focuses on a specific theme. The Color Palette section presents vibrant color combinations of the Palace Museum through the eyes of young visitors. Red highlights long-term efforts in heritage protection; Yellow focuses on cultural vitality and continuity; Blue addresses cross-border exchange and mutual learning; Green introduces ideas related to sustainability and future development; and the White section emphasizes the shared responsibility of continuing the legacy, inviting visitors to take part in protecting the Palace Museum. Through these six color-based sections, the exhibition builds a coherent narrative framework that guides visitors from an initial focus on artifacts and historic architecture to a broader understanding of the people, stories, values, and future they represent. A member of the curatorial team introduces the concept and themes of the exhibition “What if Colors Could Speak?” in Beijing, Dec. 30, 2025. Students from Beijing No. 65 Middle School recited “The Palace Museum in Color,” an original poem describing the key visual elements of the Palace Museum, including its solemn red walls, brilliant yellow glazed tiles, the clear blue sky, and the lush greenery. Their performance offered a youth perspective on the architectural features of the site. Student representatives from the Dongcheng District Children’s Palace also shared their impressions after visiting the exhibition, saying it helped them better understand the role of color in the Palace Museum and made historical content easier to grasp through interactive design. Students from Beijing No. 65 Middle School perform a poetry recitation during the opening ceremony of the exhibition “What If Colors Could Speak?” in Beijing, Dec. 30, 2025. Students from the Dongcheng District Children’s Palace speak at the opening ceremony of the exhibition “What If Colors Could Speak?” in Beijing, Dec. 30, 2025. At the close of the ceremony, guests placed colored balls into an interactive installation named “Continuing the Legacy Together,” symbolizing their commitment to preserve the heritage of the Palace Museum. As the balls rolled together, the exhibition officially opened. After the ceremony, guests, teachers, and students toured the exhibition with members of the curatorial team. Across the six themed sections, visitors engaged with interactive installations and narrative displays focused on heritage protection, cultural continuity, exchange, and sustainability, immersing themselves in activities and discovery with childlike wonder. Guests, teachers, and students visit the exhibition “What if Colors Could Speak?” in Beijing, Dec. 30, 2025. The exhibition “What If Colors Could Speak?”, presented during the Palace Museum’s centennial year, reflects the museum’s continued efforts to “bring cultural relics to life” and demonstrates how the best of traditional Chinese culture can be reinterpreted through innovation. By using color as a shared visual language, the exhibition connects young audiences with history and the future and underscores the Palace Museum’s educational role. The exhibition runs from December 31, 2025, to March 31, 2026, at the Palace Museum Education Center, spanning the 2026 winter vacation.

In accordance with the Guiding Opinions on Promoting Information Accessibility issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation, the Palace Museum’s official website recently launched a suite of accessibility browsing features, to ensure equal and convenient access to digital resources and services for all members of the public. These features can be activated through the “Accessibility” button, found on the homepage. The features comply with the “General Design Specifications for Elderly-Friendly Internet Websites,” the national standard GB/T 37668-2019 “Information Technology—Internet Content Accessibility Technical Requirements and Conformance Testing,” and the relevant technical requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Through age-friendly and accessibility adaptations, the following assistance is now available to users of the official website. Visual aids that support page zoom, high-contrast display modes, color inversion, and other viewing options to improve text readability. A text-to-speech function that can read page content aloud with adjustable speech rates. Full keyboard operability: complete access to all features without requiring a mouse. Accessibility adaptations for multilingual versions (English, French, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese), with voice broadcast available as an additional feature in the English and Traditional Chinese versions. Full compatibility with mobile devices to enhance touchscreen operation experience. The new accessibility features underscore the Palace Museum’s commitment to digital inclusion and an accessible information society. We are dedicated to ensuring barrier-free access to the best of traditional Chinese culture embodied by the Palace Museum for all, including key groups such as older adults and persons with disabilities, thereby making our cultural resources truly inclusive. This feature is currently in a trial phase. We welcome all feedback, which can be shared by clicking the “Feedback” icon on the homepage.