TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Qianlong Garden, the private garden complex of Emperor Qianlong within the Forbidden City in Beijing, has officially reopened to the public at the end of September 2025, after over a century of being closed to visitors. This opening marks the completion of a 25-year restoration project that involved international cooperation.
The garden was constructed between 1771 and 1776 as a retreat for Emperor Qianlong within the Forbidden City. It features pavilions, halls, galleries, and courtyard gardens adorned with the finest materials and artistic craftsmanship. Visiting the garden feels like stepping into the imperial world, with its elegant halls, painted murals, carved bamboo motifs, enchanting theaters, and serene gardens.
This partial reopening (first and second courtyard) was celebrated with a new exhibition on-site, providing a comprehensive understanding of the interior, design, and garden crafts for the first time.
The restoration project, which cost between US$15 to 18 million, was supported by the World Monuments Fund (WMF). Chinese President Xi Jinping referred to the garden as an important symbol of Chinese civilization and emphasized the need for optimal protection and utilization of cultural heritage, as quoted from Travel + Leisure.
The WMF described the garden as a “palace within a palace,” while still maintaining the most extraordinary Chinese interior design to date. Restoration challenges included the preservation of trompe l’oeil silk murals, historic wood craftsmanship, and rare materials such as jade inlays and bamboo thread marquetry. The restoration team had to revive long-lost traditional techniques and materials while integrating modern conservation science.
“We often had to recreate traditional materials and techniques that are no longer practiced. All of this is to ensure the authenticity of history while applying modern conservation standards,” said a WMF spokesperson to The Art Newspaper.
To visit the Qianlong Garden, tourists must purchase entrance tickets to the Palace Museum, starting from about 40 yuan (around Rp94,000) during off-peak season. The garden is likely to attract more visitors, so it’s advisable to arrive early or book tickets in advance.
While inside, there is no need to rush. Explore every corridor, enjoy the murals, and the interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. As a restored heritage site, treat the location with respect-do not damage the murals or decorations; abide by museum regulations. Tourists can also combine the visit with a broader Forbidden City tour.
The article was contributed by Putri Az zahra Suherman.
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