Taimiao hosts tribute to over 400 workers' artworks

The Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace, formerly Taimiao (Imperial Ancestral Temple), has long been a popular tourist destination for its imposing architecture, ancient trees and treasured golden fish collection.

Now there's a new reason to explore the historic site: the "Ode to the Motherland" art exhibition, which opened on Monday with a grand ceremony.

Hosted by the Beijing Municipal Federation of Trade Unions, the exhibition brings together more than 400 outstanding works—spanning painting, calligraphy, sculpture, wood-carving, paper-cutting and exquisite handicrafts—created by workers from nearly 30 Chinese cities. Most of the pieces celebrate the lives of working people and the beauty of everyday life.

A tribute to professionalism, dedication and craftsmanship, the exhibition also marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. It will run through Oct 31, organizers say.

The opening ceremony took place against the backdrop of the temple's magnificent Sacrificial Hall, where performers—themselves workers at the Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace—struck the newly restored Chinese Bells of Harmony, a set of 108 bianzhong chime bells, to accompany ancient court melodies. The music echoed through the grand hall, evoking a sense of timeless continuity.

Two further highlights were the national premiere of the original song Steel and Rock and a scenario drama incorporating Peking Opera. The song pays tribute to ordinary workers who remain steadfast in their posts, while the drama honors the craftsmen whose persistent efforts helped create the exquisite Taimiao.

Notably, every program in the opening ceremony—from concept and arrangement to final performance—was independently created and refined by employees of the Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace in their spare time.

The event is co-organized by the Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace and the Beijing Employees' Calligraphy and Painting Association.