Wenhua Hall of the Forbidden City: The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles

2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. The exhibition 'The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles—Sino-French Interactions in the 17th and 18th Centuries' is held at the Wenhua Hall of the Forbidden City. Focusing on diplomatic, cultural, and artistic exchanges between China and France, the exhibition presents about 200 cultural relics from the Palace Museum in Beijing, the Palace of Versailles, and other collecting institutions, showcasing a century-long history of mutual respect and admiration in political interactions, as well as a history of cultural exchanges characterized by learning from each other. 'The Biography of Emperor Kangxi' 1697 by Pere J-B Du Halde Held in the Municipal Library of Versailles This book idealizes China at the time and emphasizes the similarities between Emperor Kangxi and Louis XIV, such as both ascending the throne at a young age and taking on heavy responsibilities early on, and sharing a similar interest in the arts. The book praises Emperor Kangxi's noble character, extraordinary wisdom, and open-mindedness. The author, Pere J-B Du Halde, was one of the royal mathematicians sent to China by Louis XIV and taught Emperor Kangxi mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and other subjects in the Qing court.