At Beijing’s Palace Museum, formerly known as the Forbidden City, a team of around 150 experts is meticulously restoring over 1.8 million historical artifacts. The restoration work takes place in advanced laboratory conditions, where scientific methods are integrated with traditional craftsmanship. In one case, a fragment of a glazed roof tile with a darkened surface is being analyzed using a state-of-the-art X-ray diffraction machine. The purpose of this research is to determine whether the black material is due to atmospheric sediment or internal chemical transformation. Located in the heart of Beijing, the Palace Museum once served as the residence of emperors and the center of political power in imperial China. It is now one of the world’s most visited cultural institutions.

Restoration specialists employ a hybrid approach that includes both scientific analysis and heritage-based techniques to conserve paintings, bronzes, ceramics, silk panels, and even rare European clocks once gifted to Chinese royalty. Recent developments include the use of inpainting to repair patterned silk gifted to Empress Dowager Cixi, which requires exceptional precision and chromatic sensitivity. Qu Feng, director of the museum’s Conservation Department, affirmed that while methods have become more sophisticated, the essence of preservation remains unchanged—protecting the intrinsic cultural values of each piece. This convergence of tradition and innovation not only enhances the integrity of national treasures but also ensures their longevity for future generations. Though the tasks are repetitive and demanding, the restorers express a quiet sense of accomplishment in safeguarding China’s illustrious heritage.