November 13, 2025 | 11:47 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Qianlong Garden, the private garden complex of Emperor Qianlong within the Forbidden City in Beijing, has officially reopened to the public at the end of September 2025, after over a century of being closed to visitors. This opening marks the completion of a 25-year restoration project that involved international cooperation.
The garden was constructed between 1771 and 1776 as a retreat for Emperor Qianlong within the Forbidden City. It features pavilions, halls, galleries, and courtyard gardens adorned with the finest materials and artistic craftsmanship. Visiting the garden feels like stepping into the imperial world, with its elegant halls, painted murals, carved bamboo motifs, enchanting theaters, and serene gardens.
This partial reopening (first and second courtyard) was celebrated with a new exhibition on-site, providing a comprehensive understanding of the interior, design, and garden crafts for the first time.
The restoration project, which cost between US$15 to 18 million, was supported by the World Monuments Fund (WMF). Chinese President Xi Jinping referred to the garden as an important symbol of Chinese civilization and emphasized the need for optimal protection and utilization of cultural heritage, as quoted from Travel + Leisure.
The WMF described the garden as a "palace within a palace," while still maintaining the most extraordinary Chinese interior design to date. Restoration challenges included the preservation of trompe l'oeil silk murals, historic wood craftsmanship, and rare materials such as jade inlays and bamboo thread marquetry. The restoration team had to revive long-lost traditional techniques and materials while integrating modern conservation science.
"We often had to recreate traditional materials and techniques that are no longer practiced. All of this is to ensure the authenticity of history while applying modern conservation standards," said a WMF spokesperson to The Art Newspaper.
To visit the Qianlong Garden, tourists must purchase entrance tickets to the Palace Museum, starting from about 40 yuan (around Rp94,000) during off-peak season. The garden is likely to attract more visitors, so it's advisable to arrive early or book tickets in advance.
While inside, there is no need to rush. Explore every corridor, enjoy the murals, and the interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. As a restored heritage site, treat the location with respect-do not damage the murals or decorations; abide by museum regulations. Tourists can also combine the visit with a broader Forbidden City tour.
The article was contributed by Putri Az zahra Suherman.
Editor's choice: Labubu, Molly, and Dimoo Await Fans at Pop Land Beijing
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
China Criticizes US for 'Double Standards' over New Tariffs
32 hari lalu
Beijing has threatened to take corresponding measures after Donald Trump threatened 100% US tariffs over China's limits on rare earth exports.
SCO's Power Play: Can China Rewrite the Rules of Global Governance?
57 hari lalu
The 25th rendition of the SCO summit meeting at Tianjin in China on August 31 to September 1 was followed by a spectacular military display at Beijing
Caution Must Drive India's Fresh Engagement With China
3 September 2025
A positive shift in India-China ties will depend on Beijing's treatment of New Delhi as an equal partner.
Prabowo to Attend China's Military Parade at Xi Jinping's Invitation
3 September 2025
State Secretary Minister explains the reason for Prabowo's visit to Beijing amid the widespread protests in Indonesia.
15 World's AI Cities: Singapore Tops the List
28 Agustus 2025
According to the Global AI Cities Index 2025, Singapore is the most AI-enabled city.
Labubu, Molly, and Dimoo Await Fans at Pop Land Beijing
13 Agustus 2025
The first amusement park dedicated to Labubu and 'The Monsters' characters is located in Chaoyang Park, Beijing, China.
China Evacuates Over 82,000 People Following Fatal Floods; 5 Dead in Taiwan
5 Agustus 2025
China have evacuated over 82,000 residents in Beijing due to the threat of heavy rainfall, following the deaths of dozens in the capital's outskirt.
Heavy Rain in Beijing Causes 80,000 People to Be Evacuated, 30 Dead
29 Juli 2025
At least 30 people died due to heavy rain and flooding in Beijing, China.
MIND ID Claims to Restore 46,700 Ha of Mining Land in Four Years
16 Juli 2025
MIND ID's DG of Portfolio and Business Development, Pambudi, emphasized that sustainability is one of MIND ID's core strategies.
Trump Threatened to Bomb Moscow, Beijing in Leaked Audio
9 Juli 2025
President Trump warned Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping that he would strike Moscow and Beijing in leaked recording.
