2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, during which a series of grand cultural events have been held in both countries. Among them, the most eye-catching is undoubtedly the "Yuanming Revival" Yuanmingyuan cultural exhibition. At the invitation of the China International Culture Association under the Ministry of Culture, the "Yuanming Revival" exhibition will once again go abroad and be held in Paris, France, in September to showcase and disseminate the culture of Yuanmingyuan and the "Three Hills and Five Gardens" more extensively and deeply. On September 2, the Yuanmingyuan Administration held the launch ceremony and press conference for this exhibition at the Zhengjue Temple.
"Yuanming Revival" is an exhibition brand that Yuanmingyuan has been fully developing since 2012, aiming to promote Yuanmingyuan and traditional Chinese culture to international audiences. From 2012 to 2013, the exhibition was held in Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and at Beijing’s Century Altar, all of which were warmly welcomed and achieved unprecedented success. In the words of Mr. Shi Mingde, the Chinese Ambassador to Germany: "The Yuanmingyuan cultural exhibition has sparked a new wave of China fever." Mr. Köhler, Director of the German Historical Museum, commented: "To me, Yuanmingyuan is an extraordinary architectural complex. It also serves an important commemorative function, carrying the Chinese people's vigilance over a humiliating past." Mr. Titarenko, Chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Association, said: "The Yuanming Revival exhibition shows how the Chinese people learn from historical lessons and experiences, and tirelessly develop a great culture. This is highly respectable and commendable, and the Chinese people have set an example for all of us."
At the launch ceremony, Cao Yuming, Director of the Yuanmingyuan Administration, introduced the details of the Paris exhibition. The main venue of the exhibition will be set up at the New China Film Gallery in Paris, with a sub-venue at the Culture Center of European Times. The content of this exhibition is quite rich. Arranged chronologically, it uses images, videos, models, cultural relics components (replicas), digital multimedia, and other forms to present the rise, decline, and revival of Yuanmingyuan through a blend of real and virtual displays. Not only will all the exhibits from the previous two exhibitions be displayed, but a specially created "Model of the Yuanmingyuan Grand Palace Gate Area" will also be showcased, including the architectural landscape from the large screen wall in front of the gate in the south to the Shou Mountain behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the north. The Grand Palace Gate Area was the front court of the Qing emperors’ garden, Yuanmingyuan, including the main gate of the imperial garden, the Grand Palace Gate, the Enter the Virtuous Gate, as well as the first four scenic spots, "Hall of Supreme Harmony" and "Hall of Diligent Government," where important ceremonial activities of Yuanmingyuan were held. In addition, Yuanmingyuan has produced 12 mahogany architectural models at a 1:25 scale, based on historical records from the Qing Dynasty and architectural plans from the Style House, showcasing highly representative individual buildings within Yuanmingyuan. These include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Carved Moon and Open Clouds, the Penglai Fairyland Terrace, the Eyebrow Moon Pavilion of the Huifang Academy, the Self-striking Clock Tower of the Merciful Clouds Protection Hall, the Small City Gate of the Apricot Blossom Spring Pavilion, the Wenyuan Pavilion, the Hall of Phoenix Cries of the Fanghu Shengjing, the Sea and Mountain Opening, the Qingyin Pavilion Theater, the Wanfang Anhe, and the Tranquil and Peaceful Abode. The models are exquisitely crafted and lifelike in form, not only displaying the splendor of the former royal architecture of Yuanmingyuan but also representing the highest level of handicraft art in China today. During the exhibition in France, to allow visitors to Yuanmingyuan to also see the wooden models, the Yuanmingyuan Administration specially retained the Wanfang Anhe and Tranquil and Peaceful Abode models at the Zhengjue Temple for public appreciation. On the day of the launch ceremony, these two models made a grand appearance, attracting the attention of all the media.
In addition, the exhibition will also present the fruitful results of Digital Yuanmingyuan: screening the film "Reviving Yuanmingyuan" to showcase the glorious splendor of Yuanmingyuan in its heyday; using holographic cabinets to display Yuanmingyuan’s collection of cultural relics, and digitally showcasing the artistic charm of its rich collection. It will also, for the first time, digitally and holographically present the latest research findings on the restoration of the Western-style Buildings, including the restored effects of the Haiyantang, Xieqiqu, and Dashuifa. Other exhibits include the prop "Twelve Zodiac Animal Heads" from Jackie Chan’s movie "Chinese Zodiac," a jade carving panorama of Yuanmingyuan, and stone component replicas such as Yuanmingyuan boundary stones, stone fish, and Western-style building stone components. During the "Yuanming Revival" exhibition, the "Beijia Garden" exhibition will also be held concurrently at the European Times Culture Center.
The return of "Yuanming Revival" to Europe on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations has been highly praised by various circles both domestically and internationally. It is believed that the "Yuanming Revival" series of exhibitions carries the historic mission of promoting cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, spreading the essence of China’s ancient philosophy of valuing peace and its rich spiritual connotations. It will not only leave a profound mark in the history of cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, but its artistic and humanistic value will also drive the development of global cultural exchange. It can be predicted that this feast of ancient Eastern civilization originating from Yuanmingyuan will continue to ferment in Europe, bringing more lasting and far-reaching impacts. This exhibition is fully promoted and publicized by Beijing Ruicheng Qidian Culture Media.
Appendix: Information on "Wanfang Anhe" and "Tranquil and Peaceful Abode":
1. Wanfang Anhe
Located on the northwest side of the Back Lake of Yuanmingyuan, it was completed in the fifth year of the Yongzheng reign and is commonly known as the "Wanzi House." The main structure is built in the lake, with an exterior in the shape of the Chinese character "Wan," symbolizing peace under heaven.The building has a total of 33 rooms, interconnected in a winding fashion in all directions. With its unique design and ingenious layout, it is suitable for comfortable living in all seasons, being warm in winter and cool in summer. Emperor Yongzheng particularly loved residing in this hall, while Emperor Qianlong would host banquets for the Empress Dowager here every Dragon Boat Festival.
2. Tranquil and Peaceful Abode
Located to the north of the Back Lake of Yuanmingyuan, it was built in the early years of the Yongzheng reign. The main hall is in a field-shaped layout, commonly referred to as the "Field Character House." This hall has seven rooms on each of its four sides, connected by a cross-shaped corridor in the middle. It served as an important leisure and residential palace within Yuanmingyuan, where the emperor would choose to reside. To the north of the building lies a rice field, which was where the Qing emperors observed crop growth and farming conditions. The name "Tranquil and Peaceful Abode" reflects the emperor’s aspiration to return to simplicity and live a peaceful life.