Ancient art treasures collected in the Palace Museum have been carefully transported out of the Forbidden City and temporarily displayed in the Museum of Folk Art Treasure in Beijing. These heavy-weight exhibits comprise the museum's first exhibition for 2011.

A total of 120 items of jade, colored glaze, gold and silver vessels, some bronzes and porcelain works are on display. The oldest relics were created in Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.), and the youngest are from the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Ninety of the exhibits are making their public debut. Names and dates of those treasures were marked on the packages. Archaeologists have proved that the handwriting belonged to eunuch officials and that the treasures have never left the imperial palaces.

A golden Ruyi is one of the most valuable exhibits. Ruyi, an S-shaped scepter, symbolizes good fortune and power. It was Qing Dynasty emperor Qian Long's 60th birthday gift presented by his ministers.

"I've seen ancient Chinese art treasures on TV, films and magazines, but this is my first time to see them with my own eyes," a visitor said. "I feel very curious and the exhibition also broadens my knowledge of Chinese imperial history."

A traditional Chinese furniture exhibition and a "Beijing Gifts" exhibition are also underway in the Museum of Folk Art Treasure.

(CNTV.cn January 31, 2011)