A visitor takes a photo of ancient stone columns on display at the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, October 13, 2023. /IC
A visitor takes a photo of ancient stone columns on display at the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, October 13, 2023. /IC
Seven ancient stone columns that have been recently returned to China are on display at the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, October 13, 2023. /IC
Seven ancient stone columns that have been recently returned to China are on display at the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, October 13, 2023. /IC
A visitor takes a photo of ancient stone columns on display at the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, October 13, 2023. /IC
A visitor takes a photo of ancient stone columns on display at the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, October 13, 2023. /IC
An ancient stone column is exhibited at the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, October 13, 2023. /IC
An ancient stone column is exhibited at the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, October 13, 2023. /IC
Seven ancient stone columns from the Old Summer Palace in Beijing that had been lost overseas for over a century have officially been returned to China. They recently made their public debut at an exhibition at the Old Summer Palace aimed at highlighting the need for other important Chinese cultural relics lost overseas to be repatriated. Made of white marble and measuring between 80 and 92 centimeters high, the stone columns feature elaborate carvings and flower patterns. A blend of Chinese and Western cultural elements, the columns demonstrate the exquisite craftsmanship of the ancient Chinese.