Shan Jixiang: Our world must be colorful and colorful
"In 2012, I worked at the Palace Museum and had the opportunity to participate in some of its conservation actions." Former director of the Palace Museum, Shan Jixiang, passionately said at the parallel forum of the Beijing Cultural Forum "Cultural Heritage: Systematic Protection and Active Inheritance" today, "Once, we shouted a slogan to fully hand over a magnificent Forbidden City to the 21st century, and we have fulfilled our promise."
He said that in the past, the environment of the Forbidden City was not as beautiful as it is now. More than 400 households and more than 20 units are crowded around the 52 meter wide Tongzi River, and 465 pollutants are discharged into the river. The domestic waste generated by the units and residents on both sides has been piled up on the water surface. In order to improve the surrounding environment, the Palace Museum mobilized the entire city through measures such as sewage interception and relocation of unit residents. Finally, before the arrival of the 21st century, the Tongzi River became rippling with blue waves.
At this point, Shan Jixiang smiled slightly and said, "There should be applause here."
He introduced that after working at the Palace Museum, he organized a three-year environmental renovation, involving 10 indoor contents and 12 outdoor contents, and demolished a total of 135 unreasonable and illegal constructions. Finally, in 2017, the Forbidden City regained its rightful charm.
The environment has been improved, and the expansion of the opening area of the Palace Museum has laid a foundation. In 2014, the open area of the Palace Museum exceeded 50% for the first time, reaching 65% in 2015, 70% in 2016, and 80% in 2018.
Shan Jixiang said, "After the expansion and opening of the Forbidden City, many activities can be held here. The Wumen Goose Winged Tower is the largest ancient building in the Forbidden City, and it has become a very good exhibition hall. There are many exhibitions from various countries around the world displayed here, such as the China India Sculpture Art Exhibition co hosted with India, the Afghanistan National Museum Treasure Exhibition co hosted with Afghanistan, the 18th century Treasure Art Exhibition co hosted with France, and exhibitions from museums in Qatar, Monaco, and the Vatican..."
He said that red walls, yellow tiles, and blue sky can paint any color in the world. When foreign guests enter the Forbidden City, we will share with them the Chinese culture presented here. Our world must be colorful and not monochromatic. Every ethnic group has a long and memorable history, and should also have the future they aspire to.
Nowadays, tens of thousands of Chinese and foreign visitors walk into the Palace Museum every day, where they can feel the world's largest and most complete ancient palace architectural complex. Today, it is so well preserved, magnificent, and healthy.
Shan Jixiang said, "On December 8, 2020, the Forbidden City celebrated its 600th birthday, and on this day, we are particularly excited. We know that with the support of people from all over the country and around the world, and through our honest labor, we have fully handed over a magnificent Forbidden City to the next 600 years!"
