As part of the France Culture
Year in China, the Palace of Versailles has lent some of its
antiques to the Forbidden City. The ancient structure's Meridian
Gate is hosting the exhibits, most of which date back to the reign
of the Sun King, Louis 14th.
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Louis 14th ruled at the same time as the great Qing Dynasty emperor
Kangxi, and their reigns had much in common. It was a time of
prosperity for France, which allowed the flamboyant monarch to
build the elaborate palace at Versailles, just outside Paris.
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It was also a rich time for China, and Kangxi added much to the
beauty of the Forbidden City, now protected as the Palace
Museum.
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Officials at the museum say tourists don't have to buy a ticket for
the whole complex just to see the Versailles exhibits - a special
passageway has been opened for visitors to directly enter the
Meridian Gate.
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Tickets cost 20 yuan, or about US$2.5. The event is an exchange
after Versailles hosted an exhibition on Emperor Kangxi during the
Chinese Culture Year in France in 2004.
(CCTV.com May 2, 2005)