2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, with a series of grand cultural events taking place in both countries. Among them, the most eye-catching is undoubtedly the "Splendors of Yuanmingyuan" cultural exhibition of the Old Summer Palace. At the invitation of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries under the Ministry of Culture, the "Splendors of Yuanmingyuan" exhibition will once again go abroad and be held in Paris, France in September, to present and disseminate the culture of Yuanmingyuan and the "Three Hills and Five Gardens" more extensively and in greater depth. On September 2, the Yuanmingyuan Administration held the launch ceremony and press conference for this exhibition at the Zhengjue Temple.
At the launch ceremony that day, 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 also established at the Cultural Center of the European Times. The exhibition features a rich array of content, presented chronologically through images, videos, models, cultural relics (replicas), digital multimedia, and other formats, blending reality and virtual elements to showcase the rise, decline, and revival of Yuanmingyuan. Not only were all exhibits from the previous two exhibitions displayed, but a specially created "Model of the Yuanmingyuan Grand Palace Gate Area" was also introduced, covering 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 imperial garden Yuanmingyuan during the Qing Dynasty, including the main gate, the Gate of Admittance to Virtue, as well as the first two of the Forty Scenes — the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Hall of Diligent Government, where important ceremonial events of Yuanmingyuan were held. In addition, Yuanmingyuan produced 12 mahogany building models at a 1:25 scale based on historical records and architectural plans from the Qing Dynasty, showcasing highly representative individual structures within Yuanmingyuan, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Lattice Moon and Clouds, the Penglai Fairyland Terrace, the Eyebrow Moon Pavilion of the Flower Gathering Academy, the Self-striking Clock Tower of the Mercy-Clouds Shelter, the Small City Gate of the Apricot Blossom Spring, the Wenyuan Pavilion, the Hall of Phoenix Singing of the Splendid Sea View, the Vast Sea Unfolding, the Theater Tower of the Clear Sound Pavilion, the Ten-Thousand Peace and Harmony, and the Tranquil Simplicity. The models are exquisitely crafted and lifelike in form, not only demonstrating the splendor of the former imperial architecture of Yuanmingyuan but also representing the highest level of artisan craftsmanship in China today. During the France exhibition, to allow visitors exploring Yuanmingyuan to also view the wooden models, the Yuanmingyuan Administration specially retained the "Ten-Thousand Peace and Harmony" and "Tranquil Simplicity" models at the Zhengjue Temple for public appreciation. These two models made a grand debut at the launch ceremony that day, capturing the attention of all media.
Meanwhile, the exhibition will also showcase the remarkable achievements of Digital Yuanmingyuan: screening the film "Reviving Yuanmingyuan" to display the glorious scenes of Yuanmingyuan in its prime; using holographic cabinets to exhibit Yuanmingyuan’s collection of cultural relics; and digitally presenting the artistic charm of Yuanmingyuan’s rich collection. For the first time, it will digitally and holographically present the latest research findings on the restoration of the Western-style Buildings, including the restored visions of the Hall of Calm Seas, the Garden of Harmonious Interests, and the Grand Waterworks. Other exhibits include the props "Twelve Zodiac Animal Heads" from Jackie Chan’s movie "Chinese Zodiac", a jade-carved panorama of Yuanmingyuan, stone component replicas such as Yuanmingyuan boundary stones, stone fish, and Western-style building stone pieces. During the "Splendors of Yuanmingyuan" exhibition, the "Beijing Garden" exhibition will also be held concurrently at the Cultural Center of the European Times.
The return of the "Splendors of Yuanmingyuan" to Europe on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations has been highly praised by various circles both at home and abroad. It is believed that the "Splendors of Yuanmingyuan" series of exhibitions carries the historic mission of promoting cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, publicizing 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 the world, but its artistic and humanistic value will also drive the development of global cultural exchange. It can be anticipated that this feast of ancient Eastern civilization originating from Yuanmingyuan will continue to resonate across Europe, bringing more lasting and far-reaching impacts. This exhibition is fully promoted by Beijing Ruicheng Qidian Culture Media.
Appendix: Information on "Ten-Thousand Peace and Harmony" and "Tranquil Simplicity":
1. Ten-Thousand Peace and Harmony
Located on the northwest side of the Back Lake in Yuanmingyuan, it was completed in the fifth year of the Yongzheng reign and is commonly known as the Wan Character House. The main structure is built over the lake, with an exterior in the shape of the Chinese character "Wan", symbolizing peace under heaven.The building contains a total of 33 rooms, interconnected in a winding layout in all directions. With its unique design and ingenious arrangement, it offers comfort in all seasons, being warm in winter and cool in summer. Emperor Yongzheng favored residing in this hall, while Emperor Qianlong would host banquets for the Empress Dowager here every Dragon Boat Festival.
2. Tranquil Simplicity
Located to the north of the Back Lake in Yuanmingyuan, it was built in the early years of the Yongzheng reign. The main hall is square-shaped, known at the time as the Square Character House. The hall features seven rooms on each of its four sides, interconnected by a cross-shaped corridor in the center. It served as an important leisure and residential palace within Yuanmingyuan, preferred by the emperor for stays. To the north of the building lies a rice field, which was where Qing emperors observed crop cultivation. The name "Tranquil Simplicity" reflects the emperor’s aspiration to return to simplicity and live a peaceful life.