President Xi Jinping visited a special exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Beijing's Palace Museum on Monday, emphasizing its vital role in preserving China's cultural legacy. The Chinese leader, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for enhanced efforts to protect the UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
"The Palace Museum stands as both a symbol of Chinese civilization and a bridge connecting our historical wisdom with modern development," Xi stated during the tour. The exhibition features rarely seen artifacts spanning six centuries, including imperial documents, ceremonial objects, and architectural blueprints.
Cultural analysts note the timing coincides with increased government initiatives to strengthen national identity through historical education. For business professionals, the museum's anniversary has sparked discussions about cultural tourism opportunities, with visitor numbers to Beijing's historical sites increasing 18% year-on-year in Q1 2024.
The Palace Museum, housing over 1.8 million cultural relics, plans year-long events including digital exhibitions and international loan programs. "This anniversary reminds us that preserving cultural heritage remains fundamental to maintaining China's developmental momentum while staying rooted in our traditions," Xi concluded.
