The Palace Museum has been a landmark destination for art and history enthusiasts. (Photo : REUTERS)
For the first time since 2005, "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," regarded as the best-known scroll painting in Chinese art history, was completely unrolled at the Palace Museum on Tuesday.
The Zhang Zeduan work (1085-1145) pictures the flourishing landscape of then-called Bianjing, now Henan Province's Kaifeng, which was the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).
The work, which spans 24.8 centimeters wide and 5.29 meters long, is part of the special exhibition called "The Precious Collection of the Stone Moat," which is composed of 283 other ancient paintings and calligraphy masterpieces.
The display also serves as the highlight of the museum's 90th anniversary since it was opened to the public.
Shi Xuewen, a retired college professor and one of the display's spectators, remarked, "It's so crowded, but it is worthwhile."
Shi added: "I wish I could linger for a few more minutes in front of 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival.' But the staff asked people to keep moving to avoid a traffic jam in the hall. It's too hasty to enjoy such a banquet of art."
The museum welcomed hundreds of spectators, arts and history enthusiasts alike, who were eager to see the Chinese masterpiece.
At the time Shi visited the display, only 200 people were allowed in the hall. Some of the attendees took out magnifying glasses to see the intricate details of the scroll.
Meanwhile, for Beijing civil servant Li Ning, seeing displays at the Palace Museum, located in the Forbidden City, has been a regular part of his lifestyle. He was one of those who excitedly waited in line to marvel at the renowned and iconic Chinese artwork.
