Seal carving exhibition opens for Beijing Central Axis' first heritage anniversary

A special exhibition of seal carving artworks opened in the Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua Dian) gallery in the Palace Museum on Sunday to celebrate the first anniversary of Beijing Central Axis' inscription as a World Heritage site.

During the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi on July 27, 2024, "the Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital" got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The 7.8-km-long axis stretches north to south through the heart of Beijing, has undergone constant refinement over the past centuries, and continues to influence the city's urban development to this day. It included an ensemble of palaces, ceremonial and public buildings, roads and other pieces of heritage. The Palace Museum, China's imperial palace from 1420 to 1911 also known as the Forbidden City, was a key site along the axis.

The exhibition, which will last until Sept 12, displays about 200 seals that are created by artists and the general public with the theme of key architecture along the Beijing Central Axis. New materials like glass fiber and photopolymer resin and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence design and 3D printing, were also used in the exhibits to creatively demonstrate traditional culture.

Extra rarely seen 20 seals of the imperial period from the Palace Museum's own collection were also exhibited for the event to better promote seal-carving art among the public. Separately, a 7.8-meter-long miniature model was showcased in the gallery to create an immersive experience for visitors.