The Old Summer Palace in Beijing, a symbol of China's rich cultural heritage, was tragically destroyed by fire 164 years ago when invading British and French forces razed the grounds. The devastation was immense, leaving only remnants of the palace buildings and garden walls, while over 1.5 million priceless cultural treasures were plundered.
Decades of relentless efforts by the Chinese government, patriotic individuals, overseas institutions, and cultural advocates have borne fruit as one-tenth of these looted relics have been successfully repatriated. This monumental achievement not only restores significant artifacts to their rightful homeland but also serves as a beacon of cultural resilience and national pride.
Among the recovered treasures are masterpieces that tell the stories of art, history, and craftsmanship that once flourished within the palace grounds. The return of these relics marks a pivotal step in the ongoing journey to preserve and honor China's historical legacy for future generations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
