FEAST OF HISTORY

Four previously closed-off sections of the Palace Museum were opened to the public on October 11， bringing the total accessible area of the emperors previous residence up to 65 percent from 52 percent.

Baoyunlou， or the Hall of Embodied Treasures， was built to store cultural relics. Its combination of Chinese and Western architecture style makes it a unique part of the former imperial complex.

Cininggong， or the Palace of Benevolent Peace， where Empress Dowager Cixi （1835-1908） lived， has been renovated into a permanent venue to display a large collection of sculptures of high artistic and historical value， mainly focusing on Buddhas， pottery figurines and mausoleum carvings.

Shoukanggong， where Empress Dowager Chongqing （1693-1777）， mother of Emperor Qianlong （1736-96）， once lived， has been restored to approximate its more ancient appearance.

The newly renovated Donghua Gate will be part of the new exhibits， displaying ancient architecture and relics and providing a stunning panoramic view over the grounds below.

The Tower Gallery and the east and west wings of Wumen （The Meridian Gate） is a 2，800-squaremeter space for the museums largest modern exhibition area， providing enough room to display an abundance of relics.