Visitors view the famous scroll painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival in the Hall of Martial Valor in Beijing's Palace Museum on Sept 8, 2015. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Only 200 people at time are allowed in the hall. Some visitors took out magnifying glasses to scrutinize the details, but they soon found it difficult to deal with impatient followers.

"It's so crowded, but it is worthwhile," said Shi Xuewen, a retired college professor who caught an early train from Tianjin just to view the treasures.

"I wish I could linger for a few more minutes in front of Along the River During the Qingming Festival," Shi said. "But the staff asked people to keep moving to avoid a traffic jam in the hall. It's too hasty to enjoy such a banquet of art."

Still, he arrived before peak time and had about half an hour to take in the artworks.

For Li Ning, a Beijing civil servant, attending exhibitions in the Palace Museum is a regular part of his lifestyle. But he was excited when he joined the waiting line.