Beijing's Palace Museum has set up a preservation program for Juanqin Zhai, one of the most luxurious buildings in the Forbidden City.

The World Cultural Heritage Foundation has earmarked US$2.1 million for the program, which tops all donations by the foundation for Chinese cultural relics, including the Great Wall and the Sanxingdui Ruins.

Built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, Juanqin Dian has nine rooms including a well-kept opera-stage that served as a place of relaxation for emperor Qianlong.

Many exquisite artworks and materials can be seen in the building, including a Tongjing Painting drawn in part by the imperial painter Lang Shining.

(CNTA.com May 21, 2004)