The special exhibition “Daedalus: Legends of Crete” will run from April 15 to July 27, 2025, at the Gallery of the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men) in the Palace Museum. The exhibition is jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, the General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage of Greece, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Palace Museum. Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, as a joint promotion partner of the exhibition, has also contributed to the event. Showcasing New Achievements in Sino-Greek Cultural Exchange, Ushering in a New Chapter in Dialogue of Civilizations China and Greece are both ancient civilizations with a long history of friendly exchanges. This exhibition is not only an important outcome of deep cooperation between the Palace Museum and Greek cultural institutions but also a meaningful example of mutual learning and exchanges between civilizations. The opening ceremony took place on April 14 at the Palace Museum, presided over by Lou Wei, executive deputy director of the Palace Museum. Wang Xudong, a member of the Party Leadership Group of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and director of the Palace Museum, Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, Evgenios Kalpyris, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the People’s Republic of China, and Kent Wong Siu-Kee, managing director and CEO of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, attended and delivered speeches. The opening ceremony was also attended by Olympia Vikatou, director of the General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage of Greece, Stella Chryssoulaki, general director of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Xin Qi, special consultant to the International Confucian Association, Song Xinchao, chairman of ICOMOS China, Zheng Hao, a first-level inspector of the International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Yan Yalin, director of the Archaeology Department of the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), Liu Yang, director general of the Department of Museums and Social Relics of the NCHA and director of the China Cultural Heritage Information and Consulting Center, Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group, Zhang Lixin, Party secretary and director of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, Du Haijiang, Party secretary and deputy director of the Palace Museum, Zhu Hongwen, deputy director of the Palace Museum, as well as ambassadors or embassy representatives from Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Jordan, officials from ministries and associations including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and NCHA, heads of major domestic cultural and heritage institutions, and experts and scholars in Greek culture and art. Wang Xudong noted that this exhibition marks a new milestone in Sino-Greek cultural relations. The Palace Museum and the Ministry of Culture of the Hellenic Republic have reached an intention for strategic cooperation and will deepen collaboration in areas such as exhibitions, heritage conservation, academic research, and digital communication. He expressed hope that the exhibition will foster a deeper dialogue between the craftsmanship of ancient Greece and the architectural philosophy of the Forbidden City, as well as between the seafaring spirit of the Minoans and the pioneering spirit of Zheng He’s voyages, revitalizing cultural heritage in the contemporary era. Lina Mendoni said that as two of the world’s great civilizations, Greece and China have both made extraordinary contributions to philosophy, art, science, and technology. Both cultures are renowned for their pursuit of knowledge, spirit of exploration, and appreciation for innovation. The mutual respect and deep connection to each other’s ancient traditions make this cultural dialogue profoundly meaningful. Evgenios Kalpyris pointed out in his speech that the Hellenic Republic to the People’s Republic of China places great importance on bringing distinctive exhibitions to Chinese audiences. In recent years, exhibitions of Greek archaeological artifacts have been displayed in cities such as Shanghai, Changsha, Nanjing, and Beijing, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors keen to explore Greece’s prehistoric and historical civilizations. He said that more exhibitions are planned for other cities in the future. He believes that by presenting these classic and world-renowned cultural relics, the exhibitions can inspire cross-border cultural exchanges and bring the hearts of the two peoples closer through the power of culture. Kent Wong said that the choice of the Palace Museum to hold this exhibition allows people to appreciate invaluable treasures without traveling abroad, offering a chance to appreciate the timeless charm of ancient Greek civilization right in Beijing. Chow Tai Fook is committed to enhancing exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, promoting excellent traditional culture and craftsmanship globally, and fostering international cultural dialogue and exchange. Exploring the Roots of Ancient Greek Civilization: “Minoan Culture” The special exhibition “Daedalus: Legends of Crete” takes the legendary figure of Daedalus — the master craftsman of Greek mythology — as its narrative thread. It combines mythological tales with archaeological findings to present the Minoan culture of the Bronze Age on Crete Island — an important source of ancient Greek civilization. The Minoan culture, one of Europe’s earliest Bronze Age civilizations, is celebrated for its grand palace architecture, exquisite murals, highly developed maritime trade networks, and unique writing systems. The exhibition’s namesake theme, “Daedalus,” draws on the mythical figure symbolizing craftsmanship and creativity, famous for building the Labyrinth and creating wax wings. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses one of the world’s most important collections of Minoan artifacts. This exhibition is China’s first special exhibition focusing on Minoan culture, featuring 172 pieces (sets) of precious artifacts from the museum’s collection and one modern replica. The exhibition is divided into six sections: “Mythology,” “Labyrinth,” “Bronze,” “Craftsmanship,” “Statues,” and “Voyages,” presenting the achievements of Minoan culture from approximately 3000 BCE to 1100 BCE. The exhibition brings the iconic Knossos Palace site to the Gallery of the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men), offering an immersive experience. Visitors can follow Daedalus’ journey from mythical tales into the tangible archaeological world, exploring the beauty of Minoan architecture, murals, writing, bronze, painted pottery, gold ornaments, stone tools, seals, and sculpture. A special concluding section, “Moonlight Over the Sea,” displays 13 significant artifacts from the Palace Museum’s collection, dating from China’s late Neolithic period to the Shang and Zhou dynasties. This section highlights the diversity and shared features of early human civilizations. This exhibition, based on mutual respect and new museology approaches, is a collaborative achievement between curators from the Palace Museum and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It sets a new example for the Palace Museum in planning and introducing overseas exhibitions. As one of the key exhibitions celebrating the centenary of the Palace Museum, the event will also feature a series of academic lectures and educational programs designed to enhance public appreciation of ancient civilizations and foster continued cultural cooperation between China and Greece in heritage preservation, research, and public engagement, thus breaking new ground for international cultural exchange and writing a new chapter for inter-civilizational dialogue. Visitors should scan the QR code at the entrance of the exhibition hall to enter.

The Palace Museum is proud to unveil the “Rejoicing in Woods and Springs: A Journey through Garden Cultures in China and the Wider World” exhibition, which will run from April 1 to June 29, 2025. Co-organized with the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC), the exhibition unfolds within the Meridian Gate (Wu men) complex, which comprises the central main hall and two symmetrically positioned Swallow-Wing Pavilions (Yanchi Towers) that extend east and west like embracing wings. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was held at the Hall of Embodied Treasures (Baoyun lou) on March 31, with Lou Wei, executive vice president of the Palace Museum, presiding over the ceremony. Opening remarks were delivered by Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum, followed by speeches from James Rondeau, director of the AIC; Élisabeth Maisonnier, chief curator of the Palace of Versailles; and Lester G. Huang, chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy. The opening ceremony gathered nearly one hundred distinguished guests, including Gu Yucai, president of the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics; Liu Shuguang, chairman of the Chinese Museums Association; Li Rusheng, chairman of the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture; Du Haijiang, vice president and secretary of the CPC Leadership Group of the Palace Museum; and Wen Dayan, director general of the Department of Exchanges and Cooperation (Office for the Return of Lost Cultural Relics) of the National Cultural Heritage Administration. Also present were representatives from the International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office) of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China International Communications Group, the Beijing Municipal Government, the Forbidden City Cultural Heritage Conservation Foundation and other related associations, societies, and foundations. Members of the current and former leadership of the Palace Museum also attended. The exhibition enjoys full support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club and exclusive sponsorship from the Institute of Philanthropy. Wang Xudong stated in his opening remarks that since the Global Civilization Initiative was first proposed, the Palace Museum has pioneered new paradigms for global cultural dialogue, creating sustainable platforms that connect China’s fine traditional culture with worldwide audiences through innovative approaches. He hoped that this exhibition will not only promote the sustainable development of cultural heritage but provide references and inspiration for the development of modern society. James Rondeau remarked that since its establishment in 1879, the AIC has always adhered to its mission of inspiring exploration and intellectual exchange by creating artistic experiences that transcend time, civilizations, and cultures. He expressed his wish that the seeds of civilizational exchange and mutual learning sown today will continue to blossom in the future, bringing inspiration and enlightenment to countless visitors. Élisabeth Maisonnier stated that the Palace of Versailles attached great importance to this event and lent valuable paintings depicting the palace and its gardens to this exhibition. This event builds on last year’s successful collaborative exhibition “The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles: Exchanges Between China and France in the 17th and 18th Centuries,” further strengthening the partnership between the two institutions. Lester G. Huang stated that this exhibition is a key component of the “Initiative for Global Promotion of Chinese Civilization and Cultivation of Cultural-Tech Talents”—a collaborative effort between the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Institute of Philanthropy, and the Palace Museum. By integrating art and technology, the program aims to nurture cultural-tech professionals, promote Chinese culture, and foster international exchange. Six Themes Revealing the Joy of Woods and Springs The exhibition takes its title, “Rejoicing in Woods and Springs,” from Emperor Qianlong’s poem inscribed on the displayed Scroll Painting of the Gaotu Vihara Pavilion. “Woods and Springs” are symbolic of the idealized natural landscapes evoked by ancient Chinese literati. “Rejoicing in Woods and Springs” conveys the idea of living in harmony with nature through gardens. The exhibition is divided into six sections, which are Gardens and Enlightenment,” “Gardens and Antiquarianism,” “Gardens and Natures,” “Gardens and Retreats,” “Gardens and Inspiration,” and “Gardens and Recreation.” Through a collection bringing together more than 200 representative domestic and international exhibits, this event ingeniously integrates garden landscapes with literature, theatre and historical stories. Rooted in classical Chinese gardens yet embracing horticultural traditions worldwide, this exhibition orchestrates a dialogue across time and space to unveil the artistic grandeur and philosophical depth embedded in global garden artistry. Visitors can explore classical Chinese gardens through this exhibition, such as the Northern Song (960-1127) scholar Wang Shen’s private garden, which served as the legendary site of the West Garden Gathering; Suzhou’s Dinghui Temple Garden; and the Qianlong Garden’s blending of the elegance of southern literati gardens with the grandeur of northern imperial gardens, which was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong following his inspection tours of Jiangnan (south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River). Visitors can also discover diverse foreign gardens: Pompeian villa gardens in Italy, medieval monastic gardens, the Versailles’ garden in France, Edo-period Japanese Gardens, and Monet’s garden at Giverny. Through architectural models, detailed reconstructions and digitally immersive historical recreations, the exhibition vividly demonstrates the design philosophy behind the Forbidden City’s imperial gardens. The exhibition features over 200 artifacts, including ancient Chinese calligraphies and paintings, cultural relics and antique furniture from the imperial palace of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), as well as exotic masterpieces such as Western oil paintings, sculptures, Japanese ukiyo-e prints, and Persian miniatures. Notably, 70 of them are from the AIC, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Yale Center for British Art, the Palace of Versailles, the National Museum of China, and the Tianjin Museum. Professor Zhu Yufan and his team from the Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University participated in the coordination and design of this exhibition. The exhibition also received support from the Forbidden City Cultural Heritage Conservation Foundation. Garden-inspired Cultural Creations at the Meridian Gate Companion Catalog Coming in April The Northeast Chonglou Tower, one of the Meridian Gate’s side pavilions, has been repurposed into a cultural innovation gallery for this special exhibition. This immersive exhibition space artfully blends abstract spatial design with Giuseppe Castiglione’s Album of Flowers and Birds, creating a uniquely engaging visitor experience. Dozens of garden-themed cultural and creative products will make their debut, with designs drawing inspiration from both domestic and international exhibits. These exhibits include Monthly Flower Cups, made during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, an embroidered green satin adorned with moon-hare and chrysanthemum motifs of the Qing Dynasty, Monet’s Water Lilies, Katsushika Hokusai’s Bellflower and Dragonfly and Henry Fletcher’s The Twelve Months of Flowers. This exhibition achieves a sophisticated fusion of traditional culture and modern design. The exhibition’s accompanying catalog, Rejoicing in Woods and Springs: A Journey through Garden Cultures in China and the Wider World, is scheduled for publication in April 2025. The catalog consists of two sections: Exhibition Section and Research Section. The Exhibition Section features high-definition photos of all artifacts displayed in the exhibition. The Research Section contains eight academic articles by seven experts from the Palace Museum and Tsinghua University, conducting research and discussions on Chinese and foreign gardens from multiple perspectives such as architecture, gardening, cultural relics, and art. No separate ticket is required—the exhibition is free with Palace Museum admission. Visitors may make real-name reservations through the Palace Museum’s multilingual website (https://bookingticket.dpm.org.cn).

The “FLASH! The Palace Museum: A Pop-up Digital Experience” exhibition opened at Tai Kwun, Hong Kong, on January 17, 2025. Organized by the Palace Museum, with support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and exclusive funding from the Institute of Philanthropy, the event was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, Lester G Huang, steward of the HKJC and chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy, and Zhu Hongwen, deputy director of the Palace Museum. The exhibition creatively showcases the magnificent architecture, precious artifacts, and centuries-long cultural traditions of the Palace Museum using cutting-edge digital technology. It is the first time the Palace Museum has presented its rich cultural heritage in Hong Kong entirely through digital means. The exhibition space combines the symmetrical “central axis” planning concept with the ancient architectural design principle of “round heaven and square earth.” Featuring a square layout with a circular exhibition zone at its center, all displays are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the hall. Visitors can immerse themselves in highlights such as “Green and Blue Landscape Painting: A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains,” “Treasured Collections,” “Impressions of the Corner Tower,” and “Imperial Cuisine.” These exhibits showcase the intricate details of the national treasure painting A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains and other precious artifacts from the Palace Museum. Visitors can also experience the craftsmanship behind Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) imperial dishes and the complex construction of the corner towers of the Forbidden City, gaining a deeper understanding of the profound charm and sophisticated techniques of Chinese art and culture. In addition, the Palace Museum will host lectures during the exhibition. A team of experts will share insights into the digital displays and architectural construction, further promoting cultural education. Noting that the Palace Museum is both a treasure of Chinese civilization and a World Cultural Heritage site, Lester G Huang stated that the Institute of Philanthropy actively supports the Palace Museum’s efforts to inject new vitality into traditional culture through technology, promoting Chinese culture in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, and other parts of the world. Zhu said that the Palace Museum will continue to collaborate with the HKJC and other socially responsible organizations to advance the development of a “Safe Palace Museum, Academic Palace Museum, Digital Palace Museum, and Dynamic Palace Museum.” These efforts aim to position the Palace Museum as a world-class institution, a model for cultural heritage preservation, a leader in cultural tourism integration, and a hub for global cultural exchange, contributing to goal of building China into a cultural powerhouse. In May last year, the HKJC and the Institute of Philanthropy signed a framework agreement with the Palace Museum for the “Chinese Culture Spreading and Cultural Technology Talent Cultivation” program. Under this plan, the Institute of Philanthropy, funded by the HKJC and its Charities Trust, pledged 371 million yuan to promote Chinese culture and nurture talent in arts and technology across the globe. This exhibition is one of the program’s key activities, providing Hong Kong residents and visitors with an opportunity to experience Palace Museum culture up-close and further deepen cultural exchange between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. The exhibition will run for 15 days until January 31, 2025.

On January 16, 2025, an exhibition titled “The Enduring Legacy of Craftsmanship: Exhibition Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Luo Zhewen’s Birth” opened at the Palace Museum. The exhibition is co-hosted by the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation (CFCHC) and the Palace Museum, organized by the Luo Zhewen Fund Management Committee of the CFCHC, and supported by the Chinese Cultural Relics Academy among other organizations. The opening ceremony was attended by Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum, Zheng Xinmiao, former vice minister of culture and senior advisor to the Luo Zhewen Fund Management Committee of the CFCHC, Li Xiaojie, former vice minister of culture, former director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), and director of the CFCHC Advisory Committee, Bian Jinping, former deputy secretary-general of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee and vice chairman of the Committee for Learning and Cultural and Historical Data, Ma Zishu, former deputy director of the NCHA, Zhang Bai, former deputy Party secretary and deputy director of the NCHA and advisor to the CFCHC, Gu Yucai, former deputy Party secretary and deputy director of the NCHA, Liu Shuguang, former deputy director of the NCHA and president of the Chinese Museums Association, Song Xinchao, former deputy director of the NCHA and chairman of the Chinese National Committee for the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS China), Huang Kezhong, former deputy director of the Chinese Cultural Relics Research Institute and senior engineer at the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, and Luo Yang, researcher at the Central Research Institute of Culture and History and son of Luo Zhewen. More than 120 representatives from the cultural heritage, architectural, and academic fields, along with media representatives attended the ceremony, which was presided over by Luo Xianliang, deputy Party secretary and deputy director of the Palace Museum. Wang Yuegong, deputy director of the Palace Museum, delivered a welcome speech on behalf of the organizers, highlighting Luo Zhewen’s contributions to cultural heritage protection and his connections with the Palace Museum. Luo Yang delivered a speech and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the family. Huang Kezhong and Bian Jinping gave speeches reflecting on Luo Zhewen’s remarkable life and outstanding achievements, expressing their deep respect for his academic excellence and work ethic. Liang Gang, vice chairman and secretary-general of the CFCHC, delivered a speech on behalf of Liu Yuzhu, chairman of the CFCHC, highlighting Luo Zhewen’s vital role and profound influence in the field of cultural heritage protection, calling on all sectors to carry forward his legacy and protect China’s cultural heritage. Following the opening ceremony, participants visited the exhibition. The exhibition, themed “The Enduring Legacy of Craftsmanship,” is divided into four sections: “Student of Liang Sicheng, From Aspiration to Achievement,” “Guardian of Cultural Relics, Protector of Ancient Architecture,” “Ambassador of the Great Wall, Inheritor of Its Legacy,” and “A Life Dedicated to the Nation, Revered by All.” It features 63 sets of artworks created by Chinese masters, national intangible cultural heritage inheritors, and renowned artists in honor of Luo’s birth centennial, including embroidery, jade carving, woodcarving, inner-painted art, and other traditional crafts. Also on display are Luo’s published works, precious manuscripts, cameras, measuring tapes and surveying tools, which represent Luo’s remarkable contributions to cultural heritage protection throughout his life. The first section, “Student of Liang Sicheng, From Aspiration to Achievement”, details Luo’s educational journey from his early schooling to joining the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture, studying under renowned Chinese architect and scholar Liang Sicheng, and working at Tsinghua University. The second section, “Guardian of Cultural Relics, Protector of Ancient Architecture,” is the core of the exhibition, and offers a comprehensive look at Luo’s exceptional contributions to the preservation, restoration, and management of ancient architecture. The third section, “Ambassador of the Great Wall, Inheritor of Its Legacy,” focuses on Luo’s lifelong connection with the Great Wall. He dedicated his life to the protection of the Great Wall, conducted investigations along its length and actively promoted conservation work, earning him the title “the foremost protector of the Great Wall.” The fourth section, “A Life Dedicated to the Nation, Revered by All,” reviews Luo’s life experiences, displaying his major publications and documents, along with high praise from leaders and experts, demonstrating his esteemed reputation in academic and professional circles. This exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Luo Zhewen’s birth pays tribute to cultural heritage protection and its continued development. It provides a valuable opportunity for the public to gain a deeper understanding of Luo Zhewen and his contributions to cultural heritage protection. It is expected to spark widespread interest and deep reflection on the importance of cultural heritage protection, thus inspiring more people to join the efforts to protect cultural heritage and contribute to the enduring legacy of heritage preservation. The exhibition is located at the exhibition hall of the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men) of the Palace Museum across two floors and will run from January 17 to March 9, 2025. In addition, the Luo Zhewen Fund Management Committee of the CFCHC on Thursday organized a symposium commemorating the 100th anniversary of Luo Zhewen’s birth.

On January 16, 2025, an exhibition titled “The Enduring Legacy of Craftsmanship: Exhibition Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Luo Zhewen’s Birth” opened at the Palace Museum. The exhibition is co-hosted by the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation (CFCHC) and the Palace Museum, organized by the Luo Zhewen Fund Management Committee of the CFCHC, and supported by the Chinese Cultural Relics Academy among other organizations. The opening ceremony was attended by Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum, Zheng Xinmiao, former vice minister of culture and senior advisor to the Luo Zhewen Fund Management Committee of the CFCHC, Li Xiaojie, former vice minister of culture, former director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), and director of the CFCHC Advisory Committee, Bian Jinping, former deputy secretary-general of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee and vice chairman of the Committee for Learning and Cultural and Historical Data, Ma Zishu, former deputy director of the NCHA, Zhang Bai, former deputy Party secretary and deputy director of the NCHA and advisor to the CFCHC, Gu Yucai, former deputy Party secretary and deputy director of the NCHA, Liu Shuguang, former deputy director of the NCHA and president of the Chinese Museums Association, Song Xinchao, former deputy director of the NCHA and chairman of the Chinese National Committee for the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS China), Huang Kezhong, former deputy director of the Chinese Cultural Relics Research Institute and senior engineer at the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, and Luo Yang, researcher at the Central Research Institute of Culture and History and son of Luo Zhewen. More than 120 representatives from the cultural heritage, architectural, and academic fields, along with media representatives attended the ceremony, which was presided over by Luo Xianliang, deputy Party secretary and deputy director of the Palace Museum. Wang Yuegong, deputy director of the Palace Museum, delivered a welcome speech on behalf of the organizers, highlighting Luo Zhewen’s contributions to cultural heritage protection and his connections with the Palace Museum. Luo Yang delivered a speech and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the family. Huang Kezhong and Bian Jinping gave speeches reflecting on Luo Zhewen’s remarkable life and outstanding achievements, expressing their deep respect for his academic excellence and work ethic. Liang Gang, vice chairman and secretary-general of the CFCHC, delivered a speech on behalf of Liu Yuzhu, chairman of the CFCHC, highlighting Luo Zhewen’s vital role and profound influence in the field of cultural heritage protection, calling on all sectors to carry forward his legacy and protect China’s cultural heritage. Following the opening ceremony, participants visited the exhibition. The exhibition, themed “The Enduring Legacy of Craftsmanship,” is divided into four sections: “Student of Liang Sicheng, From Aspiration to Achievement,” “Guardian of Cultural Relics, Protector of Ancient Architecture,” “Ambassador of the Great Wall, Inheritor of Its Legacy,” and “A Life Dedicated to the Nation, Revered by All.” It features 63 sets of artworks created by Chinese masters, national intangible cultural heritage inheritors, and renowned artists in honor of Luo’s birth centennial, including embroidery, jade carving, woodcarving, inner-painted art, and other traditional crafts. Also on display are Luo’s published works, precious manuscripts, cameras, measuring tapes and surveying tools, which represent Luo’s remarkable contributions to cultural heritage protection throughout his life. The first section, “Student of Liang Sicheng, From Aspiration to Achievement”, details Luo’s educational journey from his early schooling to joining the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture, studying under renowned Chinese architect and scholar Liang Sicheng, and working at Tsinghua University. The second section, “Guardian of Cultural Relics, Protector of Ancient Architecture,” is the core of the exhibition, and offers a comprehensive look at Luo’s exceptional contributions to the preservation, restoration, and management of ancient architecture. The third section, “Ambassador of the Great Wall, Inheritor of Its Legacy,” focuses on Luo’s lifelong connection with the Great Wall. He dedicated his life to the protection of the Great Wall, conducted investigations along its length and actively promoted conservation work, earning him the title “the foremost protector of the Great Wall.” The fourth section, “A Life Dedicated to the Nation, Revered by All,” reviews Luo’s life experiences, displaying his major publications and documents, along with high praise from leaders and experts, demonstrating his esteemed reputation in academic and professional circles. This exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Luo Zhewen’s birth pays tribute to cultural heritage protection and its continued development. It provides a valuable opportunity for the public to gain a deeper understanding of Luo Zhewen and his contributions to cultural heritage protection. It is expected to spark widespread interest and deep reflection on the importance of cultural heritage protection, thus inspiring more people to join the efforts to protect cultural heritage and contribute to the enduring legacy of heritage preservation. The exhibition is located at the exhibition hall of the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men) of the Palace Museum across two floors and will run from January 17 to March 9, 2025. In addition, the Luo Zhewen Fund Management Committee of the CFCHC on Thursday organized a symposium commemorating the 100th anniversary of Luo Zhewen’s birth.

On January 6, 2025, an exhibition titled “Jade from the Kunlun Mountains: Special Exhibition on Hetian Jade Culture in the Qing Court” opened at the Palace Museum. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was attended by Wang Xudong, a member of the CPC Leadership Group of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and director of the Palace Museum; Liu Yuzhu, chairman of the China Cultural Relics Protection Foundation; Du Haijiang, Party secretary and deputy director of the Palace Museum; Wei Ji, deputy director general of the Department of Finance of the MCT; Peng Shituan, a second-level inspector of the General Office of the MCT; and Li Jun, a member of the CPC Leadership Group of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Party secretary and director of the Cultural Heritage Administration of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Other attendees of the opening ceremony, hosted by Ren Wanping, deputy director of the Palace Museum, included officials from departments and agencies under the MCT and the National Cultural Heritage Administration, as well as representatives from related societies, associations, and foundations. The exhibition is organized by the Palace Museum, co-organized by the Cultural Heritage Administration of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and enjoys full support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club and exclusive sponsorship from the Institute of Philanthropy. In his speech at the opening ceremony, Du Haijiang highlighted the important remarks given by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the national conference regarding the commendation of ethnic unity and progress role models on September 27, 2024. Calling China, with a civilization spanning over 5,000 years, a great nation, Xi said that all ethnic groups had written the glorious history of China, fostered a rich Chinese culture, and nurtured a great national spirit. Xi also said that the intermingling of all ethnic groups had laid the foundation for the formation and development of a community for the Chinese nation. The multi-ethnic region of Xinjiang has been an inseparable part of Chinese territory since ancient times, and its residents from various ethnic groups are important members of the great Chinese family, bound by blood ties and shared destiny. This exhibition, using jade as a medium, displays representative Hetian jade artifacts in the Qing court. It presents visitors a unique entry point into jade culture while also serving as a crucial pathway to navigate both Xinjiang and China’s stories, further forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Hetian jade is not only the central pillar of Chinese jade culture but also testament to the nation’s history and traditional culture. Hetian (or Hotan) in Xinjiang has been China’s most important source of jade since the Neolithic period. In 1761, the 26th year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign, the implementation of the tribute jade system elevated Hetian jade to its highest historical prominence. This period saw unprecedented growth and prosperity in both the crafting and use of Hetian jade, known as the third peak in the development of Chinese jade art. The exhibition title “Jade from the Kunlun Mountains” is taken from the ancient Chinese language primer Thousand-Character Classic. The majestic Kunlun Mountains, with their endless snow-covered peaks and torrential rivers, are the source of Hetian jade. The Hetian jade of the Qing court has endured nature’s trials and artisans’ careful crafting, embodying the diligence and wisdom of the working people and representing a significant part of Chinese jade culture. The Palace Museum organized this special exhibition to showcase the enduring brilliance of Hetian jade culture. The exhibition features 258 representative Hetian jade masterpieces from the Qing court, divided into five sections: “Origins of Jade,” “Ritual Jade,” “Elegance of Jade,” “Ingeniously-crafted Jade,” and “Jade Ornaments and Dining Wares.” It aims to make the Hetian jade culture of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) more accessible, showcase exchanges and interactions among ethnic groups during the Qing period, and promote China’s fine traditional culture. As a treasure house of the 5,000-year-old Chinese civilization, the Palace Museum stands as both a repository of China’s finest cultural traditions and a testament to centuries of cultural exchange and integration. Through displaying Hetian jade culture, this exhibition offers visitors a unique insight into how jade served as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual learning throughout Chinese civilization. Highlights of the exhibition include the Hetian jade pixie (a legendary beast in Chinese mythology) from the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), seal of the “Great Qing Receiving the Mandate” — dubbed the top of Emperor Qianlong’s 25 treasures, a jade ornament carved with the Emperor Qianlong’s poems about jade mining, and Hindustan jade pieces reflecting interactions between the Qing Dynasty and foreign regions. Among the exhibits, 130 precious artifacts are on show for the first time. The exhibition will be accompanied by a published picture catalog, and an online exhibition will be launched simultaneously on the Palace Museum’s official website. Updates about the exhibition will be shared across all the museum’s social media platforms, including Weibo, WeChat, and video channels. The museum will also host a series of public lectures to enhance visitors’ understanding of the exhibition. For upcoming lecture schedules, follow the “Palace Museum Publicity and Education” account on WeChat. The exhibition is located at the Hall for Abstinence (Zhai gong) of the Palace Museum and is open to the public from January 7, 2025 to January 4, 2026. The exhibition is included in general admission and requires no additional booking.