On December 23, the "Welcoming the Peaceful, Prosperous New Year with Zodiac Animal Heads: Yuanmingyuan's Cultural and Art Exhibition" commenced in the atrium on the second floor of Golden Resources Shopping Mall. This marks the first-ever premium cultural and art exhibition of Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) launched at a commercial venue.

The exhibition features multiple sets of replicas, including those of the bronze heads of twelve zodiac animals and the Haiyan Heqing Zun (a porcelain vase).

The visual highlight there is a massive 16-meter-long art installation titled "Giant Horse". Standing three stories tall, this installation was designed based on several artifacts of Yuanmingyuan's collection, with its head bearing resemblance to Yuanmingyuan's bronze head of horse, while also incorporating the majestic spirit of the Qing Dynasty's court painting "Emperor Qianlong in Ceremonial Armor on Horseback". This installation serves as an artistic tribute to the coming Year of the Horse (February 17, 2026 to February 6, 2027) in the traditional Chinese calendar.

Through a high-precision 3D digital restoration technology, the exhibition also allows visitors to "step into" the Hall of Haiyan and Dashuifa. Visitors can directly delve into different aspects of history through interactive activities, such as intangible cultural heritage handicraft experiences, and simulated excavation of archaeological pits. Numerous creative souvenirs also await with their distinctive designs.

The exhibition will run until February 1, 2026, and is open to the public free of charge throughout its duration.

(Source: Beijing Daily)  

(Photos via Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park)