China
2026.09.24 15:31 GMT+8

A feast of calligraphy and painting masterpieces at the Palace Museum

Updated 2026.09.24 15:31 GMT+8
CGTN

An exhibition highlighting Chinese calligraphy and painting treasures from the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties at the Palace Museum in Beijing has become highly sought after in recent days.

A view of a facsimile of Wang Xizhi's "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion," attributed to Tang Dynasty calligrapher Chu Suiliang, on display at the Palace Museum in Beijing. /CGTN

A view of "Zhang Haohao Poem," a semi-cursive work by Tang Dynasty poet Du Mu, on display at the Palace Museum in Beijing. /CGTN

The Defining the Classics: A Journey to Tang and Song Calligraphy and Paintings exhibition features 107 artworks from a golden age of Chinese calligraphy and painting. These masterpieces embodied the highest artistic achievements of their times and have continued to inspire imitation and innovation by later generations.

A view of a Song Dynasty facsimile of "Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River," a celebrated scroll painting by Eastern Jin Dynasty master painter Gu Kaizhi, on display at the Palace Museum in Beijing. /CGTN

"Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy" by Tang Dynasty artist Yan Liben is on display at the Palace Museum in Beijing. /CGTN

A view of "Spring Excursion," a landscape painting attributed to Sui Dynasty (581-618) painter Zhan Ziqian, on display at the Palace Museum in Beijing. /CGTN

A view of "Xiaoxiang Tu," a landscape painting by Five Dynasties (907-960) painter Dong Yuan, on display at the Palace Museum in Beijing. /CGTN

Highlights of the first phase, which runs through September 27, include Tang Dynasty calligrapher Chu Suiliang's facsimile of Lanting Xu (Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion) by renowned Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420) calligrapher Wang Xizhi; a Song Dynasty facsimile of Luoshen Fu (Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River), a celebrated scroll painting by Eastern Jin Dynasty master painter Gu Kaizhi; and Bunian Tu (Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy), a landmark painting by Tang Dynasty artist Yan Liben.

A lacquer screen with painted figures from the tomb of Sima Jinlong, dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), is on display at the Palace Museum in Beijing. /CGTN

A Tang Dynasty painting depicting the Chinese legendary figures Fuxi and Nyuwa is on display at the Palace Museum in Beijing. /CGTN

The second phase of the exhibition will run from September 30 to November 1, featuring precious artworks from the Song Dynasty.

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