By Héribert-Label Élisée ADJOVI / Chairman of the Xi’an Think Tank for Sino-African Cooperation and Development
It is impossible to speak of China without mentioning this legendary site. Built at the heart of the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Palace Museum—formerly an imperial palace—was the nerve center of power and the residence of the Ming and Qing dynasties for over five centuries. On October 10, 2025, China and the world celebrated the centennial of this iconic monument, larger and better preserved than any other wooden palace complex in the world, and today one of the largest museums of art and history in China and globally.
A Century of Preservation and Influence - Founded in 1925, the Palace Museum transformed the former imperial residence into a public space dedicated to culture and heritage. - It houses over 1.8 million objects, including imperial treasures, paintings, calligraphy, and historical artifacts. - Since its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Forbidden City has been recognized as the largest surviving wooden palace complex in the world.
A Visual and Historical Celebration To mark the centennial of the Palace Museum, its doors were widely opened to visitors from around the globe. Art, architecture, and traditions were showcased. A series of comparative photographs was also unveiled, juxtaposing ancient and contemporary views of the Forbidden City. These images highlight the architectural continuity and meticulous restoration of the site.
Imperial Heritage and Modernity - Built between 1406 and 1420 under Emperor Yongle, the Forbidden City housed 24 emperors until the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911. - It spans 72 hectares, with over 980 buildings and 8,000 rooms, reflecting the architectural ingenuity and imperial power of China.
A Symbol of Cultural Dialogue The centennial of the Palace Museum marks not only a historic milestone but also an opportunity to strengthen cultural exchanges between China and the world. The Forbidden City remains a bridge between tradition and modernity, between imperial memory and universal heritage... the imperial past now speaks to the modern world.