Over 200 cultural relics from the Palace Museum, Beijing, are expected to go on show in France's Versailles Palace in January next year.

Most of the treasures, from the grand, elegant bronze items to the ancient wooden furniture, were made in the period of the Kangxi Emperor, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and used by the emperor himself.

The upcoming Kangxi Period Art Exhibition is one of the pivotal shows in China-France Culture Year, and will reveal the history of Qing Dynasty and the legend of Kangxi Emperor.

"We are keeping in touch with France frequently, ensuring the success of the unprecedented expo and the safety of our cultural relics," said Zhang Rong, a director who is in charge of the exposition.

Zhang said it would be the first time for the Palace Museum to display hundreds of relics focusing on a particular emperor in a specific period.

(China Daily October 15, 2003)