Core Viewpoint - The Palace Museum, a significant cultural landmark in China, is celebrating its centenary in 2025, showcasing its historical importance and cultural heritage [1][10]. Group 1: Historical Significance - The Palace Museum is the largest and best-preserved wooden structure palace complex in the world, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization [1]. - Established on October 10, 1925, the term "Palace Museum" specifically refers to the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, known as the Forbidden City [3]. Group 2: Visitor Engagement - The museum has seen a significant increase in visitor numbers, with over 17.6 million visitors expected in 2024, following the first-time surpassing of 10 million visitors in 2009 [3]. - The museum's exhibitions, such as "Hundred Years of Guardianship," feature rare treasures like "Five Cattle" and "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," illustrating its evolution and commitment to innovation [5]. Group 3: Architectural and Cultural Appeal - The architectural grandeur of the museum includes the three main halls and exquisite gardens, showcasing the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture [6]. - The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including unique treasures and sculptures, which narrate the rich history and culture of China [7]. Group 4: Modernization and Global Influence - The Palace Museum is leveraging technology and cultural creativity to engage a broader audience, enhancing the visibility of Chinese traditional culture on a global scale [10]. - The transformation of the museum reflects broader changes in China, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage and its role in contemporary society [10].

Core Insights - The exhibition "Centennial Guardianship: From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum" showcases 200 selected artifacts from a collection of 1.95 million items, featuring significant works such as "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," "Five Cattle Painting," and "Baiyuan Tie" [1][3][4] Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition is divided into three main sections: "A Continuous Cultural Heritage," "A Century of Transmission," and "A Thousand Variations" [1] - The first artifact displayed is a pair of cloisonné enamel pieces symbolizing good fortune, setting a celebratory tone for the exhibition [1][3] Group 2: Featured Artifacts - "Baiyuan Tie" is noted as the only surviving authentic work from the Jin dynasty, acquired by the state in 1951 from Hong Kong [3] - "Five Cattle Painting" is recognized as the earliest known paper painting, which returned to the Palace Museum in 1958 after being lost for decades [3] - "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" was brought out of the palace in 1923 and returned in 1958, highlighting its historical significance [3][4] Group 3: Exhibition Design and Experience - The exhibition design includes historical photographs juxtaposed with artifacts to create a dialogue with history, enhancing the visitor experience [3] - The final artifact, a special qin from the Qing dynasty, symbolizes the continuity of Chinese culture and the beginning of a new century for the Palace Museum [6] Group 4: Duration and Future Exhibits - The exhibition will run until December 30, with some precious artworks on limited display, including "Shengyang Tai Tie" and "Shen Zhou's Imitation of Huang Gongwang's Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" [6]