As part of the France Culture Year in China, the Palace of Versailles has lent some of its antiques to the Forbidden City. The ancient structure's Meridian Gate is hosting the exhibits, most of which date back to the reign of the Sun King, Louis 14th.

Louis 14th ruled at the same time as the great Qing Dynasty emperor Kangxi, and their reigns had much in common. It was a time of prosperity for France, which allowed the flamboyant monarch to build the elaborate palace at Versailles, just outside Paris.

It was also a rich time for China, and Kangxi added much to the beauty of the Forbidden City, now protected as the Palace Museum.

Officials at the museum say tourists don't have to buy a ticket for the whole complex just to see the Versailles exhibits - a special passageway has been opened for visitors to directly enter the Meridian Gate.

Tickets cost 20 yuan, or about US$2.5. The event is an exchange after Versailles hosted an exhibition on Emperor Kangxi during the Chinese Culture Year in France in 2004. 

2005/05/02
Source: CCTV