Paintings celebrate Beijing's garden heritage

Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) praised Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) as "a blessed land, an imperial retreat beyond compare". The vast garden complex was largely completed during his reign. Today, the former imperial retreat remains one of Beijing's most popular attractions for domestic and international visitors.

Known as the "garden of all gardens", Yuanmingyuan forms part of a cluster of imperial gardens in northwestern Beijing that took shape during the Qing era. Collectively known as the Three Hills and Five Gardens in Haidian district, these sites represent the pinnacle of imperial garden design in ancient China.

Beginning in 2024, resident artists from the Beijing Fine Art Academy made a series of visits to the historical sites, creating more than 100 paintings inspired by the landscapes and architecture. The project is supported by the Beijing Culture and Arts Fund, which was established by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.

The fund supports stage productions, cultural exchange initiatives and talent development programs, while encouraging public participation in cultural life and promoting an open, transparent funding system.

A selection of works from the project is now on display at the Art Museum of Beijing Fine Art Academy through June 14. Wu Hongliang, director of the academy, notes that Haidian district is now closely associated with technological innovation and higher education, as the home of Zhongguancun and many of China's leading universities.

Yet centuries ago, the area was celebrated for the Three Hills and Five Gardens, a landscape of historical sites, rolling hills and tranquil lakes. According to Wu, the paintings connect "past and present", transporting viewers into these scenic settings and allowing them to experience a sense of pleasure once reserved for the imperial court.

The exhibition brings together the three major traditions of classical Chinese painting — landscapes, flower-and-bird works, and figure painting. Through expressive brushwork and rich colors, the artists present a sweeping portrait of the region across the seasons, depicting palaces, pavilions, temples, marketplaces and country homes.

While the ensemble reflects the grandeur of imperial Beijing, much like the Forbidden City at the heart of the capital, it also captures the refined elegance associated with the classical gardens and private estates of the Jiangnan region in southern China.