Whispers from the hall of secrets

"The positive aspects symbolize people's enduring aspiration for a good life. Thus, we have chosen this timeless and universal theme to celebrate the 100th birthday of both institutions," says Wang Jinlong, deputy director of the First Historical Archives of China.

For instance, the exhibition showcases a grand ceremonial robe once worn by Emperor Kangxi, who reigned from 1661 to 1722, alongside archival records that meticulously document what Emperor Qianlong wore for rituals, banquets and seasonal ceremonies.

"Qing emperors were required to wear different attire for various occasions, often changing multiple times a day. Each change was meticulously documented, creating detailed records of their attire ... We have not yet located such detailed costume records from Kangxi's reign, so instead, we display Emperor Qianlong's to illustrate this extraordinarily meticulous system," says Wu Huanliang, one of the curators of the display.

Another gallery in the exhibition celebrates excellence in scholarship through the imperial examinations. Two eye-catching artifacts dominate the space: large and small golden lists announcing the names of candidates who passed the final stage of the Qing examination system. The imposing larger list would once have been pasted on the walls of imperial gates for public viewing, while the smaller version was reserved exclusively for the emperor's desk.