The Emperor's Secret Garden (2010) 乾隆花园修缮记

[@christinecameron1612]

Even though most of us in the world will never see the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), it is still very much a world cultural heritage. Thank you for this view inside such a cultural treasure.

[@stephanyloren5003]

I feel so emotional watching the craftsmen and artisan looking at their work. They deserve all the praise of the world for doing a great job helping and restoring the lodge. 😭❤️

[@nulnoh219]

Amazing isn't it. I don't think even those original craftsmen back when the Emperor ordered them got to see what their works eventually became.

[@tapestry888]

Tears in my eyes when I saw those crafts men/women getting their long over due recognition on screen. Hats off to them and their ancestors who were the true artists of Qian Long Lodge.

[@ninjaahjumma]

I thought it was only me that was getting emotional! Really, well done to them.

[@elizabethflynn8455]

@@ninjaahjumma the papermaker is lovely. Gifted and modest. He has a pure sense of joy.

[@팀킬-w1q]

Corea was not belong to Ching dynasty but maker of film is just a kid

[@virgiljjacas3955]

@grimm reaper True, but always the spirit of independence never died . Taizong invasions were a great mistake and did start their downfall. The academic community of Korea still don't recognize the Manchu nation and that is a ridiculous historical chauvinist mistake.

[@Psychol-Snooper]

The craftsmanship of this documentary was touching.

[@d3viousone470]

It astounding that they found people still practicing these crafts, in many other countries these crafts would have been lost years ago. It good to see these crafts still being kept alive, and done with such high level of skill. Truly amazing to see.

[@bmolitor615]

How they survived the Cultural Revolution is a complete mystery.

[@sheilaghbrosky4150]

What a fortunate happening to find these people who are still.practising these beautiful crafts.

[@redhidinghood9337]

​@@bmolitor615probably cuz there's over a bilion people in china lol even if only like 0.000001% of the population does traditional crafts that's still a good amount of people lol

[@bmolitor615]

@@redhidinghood9337 well, at least you've got a loose grasp on percentages and condescension "lol", but zero comprehension of either the cultural revolution or chinese governmental oversight. Carry on.

[@PrettyFourU1]

I adore traditional values beliefs as long your not hurting innocent people children or over stepping boundaries between theirs and yours.

[@yung-whasubhani9493]

Awesome . I was so happy for the craftsmen coming to see their work being displayed in the forbidden city. Their faces !!!! Just their reaction made this documentary a good one to an amazing and touching one. Thank you for showing us their reactions-they are priceless and made ma so happy ❤️

[@jirapanmanee5501]

I hope the young generation Chinese will treasure their heritage as those craftsman we have seen in this documentary. I am glade to have seen the most wonderful work of arts here. Thank you so much NIBB AUHH.

[@eugene188]

Hopefully their work here has given them a chance to break out and continue with these skills or it will be lost again.

[@KenChan-d2k]

Playing virtual reality games are their main focus.

[@deborahlpollitt9463]

2/19/2018 Through lucky coincidence I found this video today. I am awed and amazed by the beauty of Secret Garden. When the emperor commissioned this, he never imagined common people like myself seeing those magnificent treasures, and created it please himself alone. Thank God the Chinese people have preserved this masterpiece for all mankind. " A thing of beauty is a joy forever."~Keats said it best.

[@ninjaahjumma]

The part about the mulberry paper backing is particularly interesting to me. In the Forbidden City documentary by NatGeo, they mentioned that the Western conservators initially suggested that Korean paper be used for the backing of the silk murals. However, the Palace Museum management refused to even consider this as an option because they wanted to be as faithful as possible to the original. I initially thought that that was a bit pig headed of them, given that it was the best option available to save the painting. They did mention that the proper paper was eventually produced and used in the restoration, but I had no idea that it took finding the last surviving craftsmen still practicing the traditional way of paper making and years of trials and manual labour for the paper to finally be up to standard to be used in the conservation. Remarkable, simply remarkable.

[@leahquispe4569]

Lots of Mulberry trees in Korea

[@elizabethflynn8455]

The papermaker they found was amazing. He was so delighted to be part of the whole project. That laugh he does when he finally got to see the room where his work was hidden was so sweet. Such detail. Such dedication. Wonderful.

[@MrMaike3009]

I got to say , that was true dedication on their part. They never went the easy route and held true to their beliefs , in the end they made the impossible happen . The sure joy and fulfilment everyone involved in the project must have felt after the completion of it all, must have been extremely rewarding to say the least.

[@christinecameron1612]

@@elizabethflynn8455 Yeah and his job would have been a lot quicker and easier if anyone had bothered to save a sample of the papers used, instead of blindly throwing them in the trash.

[@aishakhatib685]

Hopefully this resulted in the papermaker’s art being saved and his skills passed on to an apprentice to keep the knowledge of paper making alive.

[@Jettingred4]

The artists that reproduced the original works did a phenomenal job! Absolutely beautiful!

[@TheJennick13]

That was superb!!!! Thank You A Million Times for posting this program for me to enjoy & have a little cry over as I became overwhelmed with the exquisite beauty of the emperor's lodge! I began embroidery as a little girl when my grandmother taught me my first stitch & I laughed in complete understanding when the young lady was so critically inspecting her embroidery- I spent the better part of a year on a candlewick/crewelwork project as a gift for my grandmother, driving my ex crazy when I'd grab my embroidery scissors & snip out a section I spent 2 hours embroidering because it just wasn't "right", even though he insisted nobody would ever notice the tiny imperfections I knew she wouldn't care about them either, but instead would know how much love & care I had invested in making something she would enjoy looking at & have that visible example of my love & respect for her obvious to anyone who looked at my embroidery on the living room wall. Before she passed away she had my family hang my embroidered floral bouquet with the little periwinkle blue butterfly right by her bed & then she knew i was with her as well. Again, a beautiful & touching program that made my entire week!!

[@JustJ.]

The embroidery, especially on the yellow silk, takes my breath away.... Truly awe inspiring. I'm so glad they took the time to do the whole thing as near to those first artisans work as was possible!

[@bubbay.1610]

Those humble artisans are a Living National Living Treasures.

[@landryayaan5215]

instaBlaster...

[@diannaskare7829]

I am so happy for the paper maker and those that helped him!!! the only one left to do it in the same village as the old paper and done in an ancient way 👏😘

[@diannaskare7829]

a foundation of strength behind the beauty

[@ChristinaAndJuli]

It was a shock to me that the emperor had never spent a night in the beautiful place. What a majestic building! Wonderful!

[@pieeyedpiper6377]

Amazing dedication & humility of all the Chinese artisans involved . Generations of knowledge brought alive by people from small rural places. People who could easily be passed off as ordinary unless their craftmanship is understood & valued for its true worth.

[@Inkspeckle]

amazing to see this beautiful and awe-inspiring craftsmanship come back to life. To see pieces of art created with techniques that reach back hundreds of years and to be able to view the final products with the same vividness and refinement it would have had back then is a huge privilege and I am incredibly grateful for this team of experts for working so hard to make it happen. This is what being a historian is truly about - bringing history back to life. I wish all the people involved in this project a tremendous amount of continued success. Hopefully their work here (and this documentary) will help them get more recognition for their respective crafts and inspire future generations to continue to keep them alive. It would be a shame to lose such knowledge and artistry.

[@deezynar]

It is fascinating to watch these craft people work to overcome challenges recreating the original pieces. But it is pure delight to see their humility, and awe, as they view their own work in the context it was made for. The administrators of the museum can be proud that they decided to restore this area to the highest standards possible. China has a long history of highest quality craftsmanship, and the people of China can be proud of that.

[@WolfhoundWife]

Their humility struck me to the core. Amazing work!!!

[@yontziyontz1427]

@@darthtiberius3716 If the westerner didn't conquer and robbing their materials, they'll never done like you talk about.

[@barbaralemere5183]

The color and intricacies of those fabrics, embroideries, paintings, and carvings are just amazing. What fantastic craftsmanship by those artists. I hope that they are all proud and pleased with what their hard work managed to produce. It was well worth the effort to restore the lodge to it's former beauty as a tribute to China's cultural heritage. China should be very proud to share this with the world. We are completely dazzled.

[@gillianesquilant4091]

How eye-wateringly Exquisite. Incredible dedication and skills by so many to preserve China's rich history of craft and art for all to see. Truly another great wonder of the world.

[@jennyli7749]

Gillian Esquilant absolutely agree with you. It was truly inspirational so much so it’s inspired me to make a once in a lifetime goal of mine to visit this lodge.

[@normandong4479]

The Forbidden City's lodge is breathtaking. The restoration of its art, furnishings and walls demanded only the best research and artisans. We must applaud and praise this great effort. China's history and art are unique and all of it must be handed down to future generations. The lessons learned must be taught to future generations. Magnificent!!

[@popaadrian60]

Huge respect for those who worked on this restauration, simple people amazing craftsmenship.

[@janebeatty9472]

One place on my bucket list to see. The design and workmanship is stunning. So much history here too see and hear about.

[@mjc11a]

Excellent presentation and I applaud China's efforts to preserve a stunning example of a true World Heritage Site. The old is forever new.

[@123pailin]

A pure enchantment....Loved every second of it. Chinese culture and craftsmenship is nearly unmatched with the possible exeption of baroque and rococo Europe (a short eclipse compared to China)...but then the chinese cultural roots are so old (more than 3000years possibly)..Absolutely fabulous....

[@zeiitgeist]

123pailin There is *some* roots to rococo and baroque (ignoring 'Chinoiserie') from China such as the introduction of products like porcelain since the Song dynasty or earlier and the influences from Arabesque which has taken many things from the Persians whose art also exchanged with the Chinese, many motifs and style of old since the early Silk road days; much like how English gardens diverged from formal gardens to one based on the Chinese naturalist system (Chinese had formal ones too). Although the Roman and Greek art forms became known as 'Grotesque'.

[@123pailin]

zeiitgeist Absolutely right....thank you for your comment.....

[@LL-ls8es]

Chinese history dates back to 5000 years

[@persebra]

I LOVE documentaries about craftsmen and artisans and artists! This was a real treat! thanks so much for uploading?

[@eastsider7301]

Omg I'm from NZ and I'm sitting here in tears watching the people view their work in the Forbidden City, for they have restored some of the most precious historical pieces in their nation's history and it's just a masterpiece of epic proportions. Kudos to everyone that was part of this project. What an amazing AMAZING story to watch unfold xx

[@freddiekinnaputi]

I like how humbled the craft artists were as they saw their finished masterpieces

[@luciechapello1008]

Because of the continuity of the craft being passed down for generations, this project never would have been completed. As I watched this wonderful video, I felt the pride and dedication of all the workers involved in the work.

[@nicoleparker2998]

I truly hope that these amazing types of craftsmanship will never be lost. They are an extremely important part of the culture and it's history. It's wonderful to be able to see such an important and interesting subject.

[@rasclotify]

What skills, beauty, and majesty they possessed!!! China, what beautiful heritage y"all have!

[@goognamgoognw6637]

I am extremely impressed by the bamboo marquetry at 33:29. The shades of green, orange, blue, yellow, grey and pink are dreamlike beautiful.

[@deborahlpollitt9463]

Amazing!

[@Leilanikake]

Thank you to the many organisations and artisans that helped restore this treasure not only for the Chinese people but for all mankind. Just imagine what other transformations could occur if governments and organisations around the world chose to restore ancient monuments. Highly enjoyable documentary. Thank you from New Zealand.

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

The craftsmanship of these people is incredible.

[@MiaN3420]

It was beautiful to see the workers, who recreated those masterpieces, when they first laid eyes on their completed work in situ. They must be highly acclaimed for keeping these traditions alive

[@dejahdelima7035]

True craftsmanship such as this is truly a lost art. I would like to see this in person. To see all the colors and splendid workmanship would be an honor.

[@karenv525]

So beautiful, the craftsmanship is breathtaking & exquisite, kudos to everyone who took part in restoring this amazing place.

[@tarantala111]

Three hearty cheers for those amazing artisan craftsmen and woman!

[@elizabethflynn8455]

So talented. The papermaker is so sweet when he goes to see the palace.

[@0623kaboom]

something that would be spectacular to add to this part of the collection is a portrait of each artist who recreated an old technique for the project made into a mural comprised of every technique and item used in the restoration all attached to the paper backing made by An Hui .. bordered with the inner skin bamboo marquetry and reliefs and finally framed with the best wood worker who can or does restore the buildings themselves ... and put that on display in a prominent place within this part of the palace .... then not only is the art work being displayed but also those people and a sample of each ones excellent skill and work .... leaving an exemplary sample of all the techniques needed to recreate this area if ever needed in future ... and finally have all the people depicted sign their names to it in gold ink with their picture . this would not only honour those who did the work but provide a lasting record of their skill for all to know and see that could travel the world to show them the respect they so rightly deserve.

[@satsumamoon]

Its interesting and sad when people give so much worship to the products and so little value to the ones who have the ability to create them. Its opposite with modern pop stars and actors.

[@kjweitzel4752]

What superlatives can I possibly add?! Breathtaking in scope & execution; absolutely exquisite. The papermaker's awe and humility at seeing the finished work(s), almost made me cry. "It's wonderful. Beautiful." What an ambitious and successful undertaking! A real pleasure to witness such remarkably skilled craftsmanship & dedication! Thank you!

[@luciechapello1008]

Felt the same emotions from the embroiders too. What dedication.

[@emiliatepano490]

Big congrats to the restaurers and all the chinese traditional crafters involve in one of the best world restauration ever. Chinese people must be very proud of their millenarium culture and make me happy that you look for the suport and participation of the ancient craft of your culture. Big congratulation to all of you. Amazing work. Chinese emperor's glory came back thanks to the best work ever❤❤❤🏯🏯🏯👌👌

[@glorialange6446]

I got tears in my eyes and shivers up my spine from the sheer magnificient volume of trades and crafts and art shown in this restoration. I will say that the ceiling is my favorite part of the whole, but honestly every single element contributes to the almost overwhelming beauty. To look and not touch the tactile surfaces would be an agony in itself that would be so difficult to resist. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing restoration and the people who were involved. When beauty touches the soul you know that the art has done its work.

[@susangunn3581]

What an absolutely exquisite documentary! The artistry of the restorations that are demonstrated and the beauty of the finished products in this exquisite world Heritage site are breath taking! It was a pleasure to watch.

[@melindabraun6060]

the reaction of the artasian craftsmen and ladies gave me goose bumps! love that their work has been been used for such precious conservation efforts! stunning!

[@moonroxxit]

Exquisite ! The dedication of every one involved with this magnificent restoration project is awe inspiring. The beauty is indescribable. It is a testament to the long, long-held impecable integrity of Chinese culture. I wish I could see it in person one day. Bravo to every one involved. You are heroes and artists of the highest caliber. A thousand deep bows to each of you. ♥️ with love from America.

[@fishinglifeforme]

i would have loved to walk inside before the restoration, to take a trip to the past and stand in the footstep of an emperor who admired craftsmen and there glorious works. They never knew that their works of amazing art would be admired, revered, and coveted by so many in the future. To know that there are still craftsmen/ craftswomen who practice/ recreate these pieces and styles of work is a testament to Chinese culture, heritage, and pride. It is without a doubt that if the world would be conquered by the level of talent in craftsmanship, that China would rise above all others. I cried when seeing the craftsmen reaction to their works, although they had created it, they never knew exactly what it was going to be used for, and when they see it for the first time, the pure joy in their hearts resonated with me and i felt their excitement and cried. Thank you all for the amazing hard work it took to bring this historical piece of work back to life for the world to see in all its glory.

[@donnacsuti4980]

Wonderful and so beautiful. So much hard work and effort by the fine craftsmen and women. So important these skills are not lost and the the culture is preserved. All of us from all over the world love and respect the artists of China so please preserve your culture. Thank you for making the vidio as I am too old and too poor to ever see this place in person, but now feel I have experienced it from afar.

[@JohnSmith-bv3bn]

As an American who is proud of his own culture and history (albeit short and simple comparatively), I would urge the Chinese to continue their revival of their own beautiful cultural heritage. The fact that Chinese culture is thousands of years old is priceless and unique to only a handful of surviving nations. Don't let modernity brush aside your past!

[@goognamgoognw6637]

As a non american i would urge you not to place yourself in a position of giver of lessons. Obviously we all have the same idea of cultural heritage preservation. You use an imperative form which shows the lack of humility of your culture. Don't you realize Chinese know this full well by now in 2016. It would have been more tactful and efficient for you to praise this ancient art. By the way, culture in america in near non existent, it's a corporate greed and bottom line world. Nothing deserves to last there and nothing is built to last either. The most seen art is folk arts and crafts, which is very crude, grotesque and simply put, junk. Pop art is trash. There is nearly no american fine arts except in music. Capitalism just like communism are profoundly incompatible with fine arts. Capitalism is good only for new often destructive technologies, war and the destruction of the environment.

[@JohnSmith-bv3bn]

goognam goognws How about you shut the fuck up and let a compliment be a compliment? How ironic it is for you to say America builds junk that doesn't last when you are saying it over the internet, on KZbin, on your computer, using electricity. Where are you from?

[@dennisravago8837]

+John Smith yeah I don't know why he acted that way. maybe he didn't understand what you are trying to say..lol

[@dennisravago8837]

+John Smith there's nothing wrong on what you have said

[@harrietvane7426]

While goognam goognws has certainly overreacted and made some rude and ignorant statements about American culture, your post was certainly not a compliment. You might have meant it to be, but actually what you did was imply the Chinese were not doing enough to look after their cultural heritage and that they required your advice to fix the problem.

[@13minutestomidnight]

Thankyou for uploading this (even 8 years on it's wonderful to watch). It's really wonderful when countries conserve and restore their cultural heritage, in particular art and music. I don't have any actual understanding about art (googling the facts doesn't really count), but even someone like me can see the beauty, care and detail in such art, and how special it is - and that's particularly through the people who talk about it and take care of it, A big part of what is so awesome is all the different people who participated in this project. It's great that the Chinese curators reached out to all these different people around the world who could help (to maintain conservation at the highest standard), but what's even more important is recruiting people within China who were still working at those old crafts. Such craftwork and cultural legacies are important, not for simply preserving the techniques but for using such crafts as an art-form, for keeping it alive within the culture/society. Bringing all these people together to restore these artworks, to practice and even show off their own art, should be what conservation is all about (eh, well that's what I think).

[@susanmitchell6061]

Stunning. Absolutely stunning. That embroidery. Exquisite. So happy to see Heritage Sites restored and respected, especially when so many places, even in Beijing are destroyed and demolished and replaced with awful concrete and glass structures with no art or craftsmanship involved.

[@foveauxbear]

Simply amazed it wasn't destroyed during the revolution.. A breathtaking achievement, astonishing art, fascinating resesrch and stunning recreations.

[@cissiechang5801]

Highest respect to the artisans and their pure motives.

[@elizabethflynn8455]

Absolutely.

[@tardismole]

I am speechless. A work of art that beautiful has no words good enough. Utmost respect to the master-craftsmen and women who have not only saved such a valuable piece of cutlure and history, but also taken my breath away. I am humbled.

[@jennyli7749]

tardis mole these were my sentiments exactly. I was so taken aback by this documentary that I’ve made it a once in a lifetime goal of mine to visit this incredible place. Honestly I barely could speak watching these artists bring the lodge back to its glory.

[@tardismole]

@@jennyli7749 Take me with you, in spirit at least. It's one place that I would love to visit.

[@jennyli7749]

tardis mole maybe you can......?

[@tardismole]

@@jennyli7749 Disabled and going blind. But I shall imagine. :)

[@WomanNextDoor]

I visited the Forbidden City in winter '92. Hardly any other tourists were there and our small group spent the day wandering around the temples, courtyards. Even back then before the restoration programme was in full swing it was magnificent. Feel so lucky to have had the opportunity, watching this video has brought back many happy memories. Xie xie.

[@ivorytower99]

These people (past, as well as present) need-to-be recognized for their craftsmanship.. and dedication: 8 years to do 1 bedroom?! That's insane!

[@ivorytower99]

When you have worked in the field of restoration, as well as decoration, "insane" is the correct word.

[@suone7036]

Actually since ancient China like in the forbidden city there are special craftsmans to fix relics and nowadays the traditional still existing. And I would like to recommend the documentary to you, Master in the Forbidden City. But it just seems like don't have English subtitles.

[@josephlee4337]

What a marvelous video features so many great artists of various skills coming together restoring an ancient palace. The skills are outstanding. I am always mesmerized by Chinese craftsmanships. I am delighted many of the skills and artistry are passing down to the next generation.

[@indigoblue4791]

What a triumphant restoration, such exquisite beauty and mastery of traditional crafts. Everyone who is able to see the natural world first hand should do it daily and indulgently. After all this is the very thing these master craftsmen are recreating. As someone who can't get out to see the real thing l can only imagine the comfort these works of art in the Loft would bring.

[@paulettescott9590]

I have never nor will ever see the Forbidden City. I am too old now and am so sorry. It was and is truly an amazing and beautiful place. I hope that they keep it up and not let it go to waste again.

[@irwu8860]

Paulette Scott ：it’s never be too old to do something 😊 you can do it!

[@irwu8860]

Maybe I can help you😊

[@lisatinbliki5691]

@@irwu8860 How can you help?

[@lisatinbliki5691]

Did you ever go since posting ?

[@rencechannel2240]

Are you still alive up to this day?

[@WolfhoundWife]

My god their culture is so rich. Absolutely breathtaking. There is something about craftsman’s and craft women’s hands. Thank you for this upload!!

[@windbreaker57]

We were there in June 2010 but I don't recall ever having been told or shown this secret lodge. It'd have been a priceless, unparalleled experience of a lifetime! Seeing now the dedicated craftsmanship and innate artistry that went into every restoration detail makes me want to revisit. Would anybody know if this is now open to the public? If so, under what conditions, if any. Thank you!

[@momochan8107]

I felt so happy when the hard-working craftsmen/women were Invited to the palace and were able to see the result of their magnificent work. All the people from different backgrounds and skills working together to restore the ancient artwork... this was truly a wonderful documentary. I love Chinese arts and history so I'm really satisfied and happy watching this wonderful video.

[@cherylh5706]

One of the best documentaries I've ever seen. I'm in awe of Quinlong's creation and the masterful recreation by the craftsmen. I literally gasped and marveled at the beauty of it all. I worry though about the preservation once crowds come into play and hope that all this work lasts for hundreds of years. Now if only they would create an English speaking documentary about Yuling, Quinlong's burial mausoleum.

[@kathybrisky]

It's so wonderful I can't even tell you. My favorite is the embroidery.

[@yiyuanliu8808]

It's funny yet touching to hear all the different dialects, and their simple, unrhetoric, some times unfinished sentences. The excitement for their works and shyness in front of camera, all nothing but very true. Also the garden is gorgeous.

[@rose88watching]

amazing what they did to restore an imperial masterpiece! wish i could go and see it in person, but this documentary can satisfy my admiration for man's beautiful handwork!

[@Barnes5145]

This was incredible. Staggeringly beautiful. Congratulations to all who brought their skills to this project.

[@darbyzworld]

Thank you for this. Been living in SE Asia for over 15 years now and I cannot get enough of the history, traditions and people. .

[@Hitori15]

I can only imagine the pride they must have felt when they helped to preserve our history, the finest and the most beautiful part of our culture. When I saw the final.product or the conservation, I was moved to years. To know that I am a part of this heritage, a descendent of this history, I am humbled and eager to learn and embrace more of it.

[@curiouslyt2123]

Beautiful documentary, very well done, every shot is pure art. The palace is gorgeous and the work the ppl done was awesome. Lots of time and patience paid off. Love the music too!

[@BM-ep7er]

It’s truly a master piece. The Chinese craftsman, bamboo, embroidery, silk drawings, paper making. Truly artist in every way. 👍👏 great work everyone who worked at the EMPERORS RETREAT.

[@maorangina]

Wonderful documentary brings me back to my hometown in its glory past. Love it!

[@MikoOriginalckcitybandnshow]

Wow

[@maisey2363]

18.55 ...the embroidery art is better than I can shade and draw ...what incredible skill! Loved this documentary! I got especially nervous when the murals were being taken down; I kind of didn’t want it to be touched so it’s in its original form but to preserver I know this is a must!! ...wonderful job to everyone who took part in these projects 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@noillucs3392]

Recreating this is a Master of Masters. Holding on to such skills and restoring these arts is breath-taking. Never really wanted to travel before. However, now this a place it would be a dream to visit.

[@arcticangel48]

W hat a stunning documentary! How wonderful to see that despite the many years when traditional crafts were not encouraged, that they have still survived in small pockets of the country, and are now being valued and acknowledged once again. such a treat, thankyou so much for uploading it.

[@imari2305]

Beyond stunning!! These artisan crafts men and women put in such dedication to restoring this beautiful place. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@Vyncent1982]

While I do not and will not claim to 'understand' the Chinese, their history, culture, beliefs, and perspectives, it does NOT stop me from admiring just how much, throughout their history, they have come through. Yes, there are a lot of bad things, but there is not a single country or people in the world that cannot say that their history is perfect. Regardless, I completely admire how the Chinese have grown and adapted throughout all their history, and in it all, have preserved many of their best traditions and abilities. Their historical art is almost beyond measure, and landmarks that are unparalleled, and treasure of antiquity that have with stood time for hundreds and thousands of years. As someone who has had a great love of and done arts and crafts for more than 50 years, I not only can appreciate all the work that went into such fantastic craftsmanship of the Forbidden City, and many other Chinese accomplishments, but also stand in awe of them. I think it is FANTASTIC and PHENOMENAL effort, time, and determination that went into restoring the Secret Garden and the preservation of the Forbidden City is something that MANY other cultures around the world could benefit from with historical master pieces in their own countries.

[@rencechannel2240]

Very well-said from a Chinese.

[@JoachimderZweite]

One third of the way through this I started weeping.

[@jennyli7749]

JoachimderZweite me too!!!

[@sherrytraveny1846]

The palace is so beautifully restored and yes it makes me cry over beautiful work.

[@richardwhitehouse8762]

I first came across this film several months ago. Coming to it again I am simply astounded at the skills on display. I found the whole thing intensely moving, not least the seriousness, reverence and modesty towards preserving cultural history. The look on the paper maker's face as he scanned the trompe l'oeil room is not something I will forget in a hurry.

[@jillianwhite4133]

This was amazing, the beautiful finish to history it is so wonderful" And to share this for another 500 years amazing amazing

[@luzocampo3673]

the best...thanks,I really love Chinese culture and history...

[@victoriawilliams1222]

Thankyou for allowing us to see the unique and restoration carried out by all the Artisans with their skills ,and the privilege to see the Emporers secret garden,so thankyou all with respect,

[@Patyseb1]

What an amazing documentary and work done by the craftsman. I was crying at the end. Such mastery. Such beauty. Humbled and honoured by this revelation. Thank you for uploading

[@sebastianhall6554]

I would love to go to the forbidden city, it has been a dream of mine since I was a small child and saw the film “ the last emperor”. I am so pleased to see that it is being taken care of in the appropriate manner. Great job the crafts people and the palace museum !

[@sanniskett]

what an amazing tribute to the many artisans ancient and moderns to behold...

[@TheKnitch]

This is how immortality is achieved. For as long as this stands, the emperor will live. Truly an astounding, and amazing, piece of human cultural history.

[@MrEric2cu]

I'm simply speechless. The level of detail, craftsmanship, and intricacy of the entire forbidden city is unexplainable when attempting to describe it to one that's never seen it. Of course seeing it in person would be beyond magical, but being able to watch this program took me back 200 years. The embroidery ...wow...breathless.

[@judith9369]

I'M AT A LOSS FOR WORDS. THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BUILDING I'VE EVER SEEN. EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT AMAZED ME.

[@arlindbebo9377]

My grandfather kept his head up proud! Working as manufacturer for generations

[@jayb351]

just amazing my aunt had her whole house decorated with Chinese art everytime I visited that home I felt so peaceful

[@cholman4248]

This was fascinating! Absolutely breath taking. After watching hundreds of Chinese Dramas thanks to KZbin, It is so wonderful to see the Forbidden City in all its glory. Thank you!

[@pumpupjam54]

Sad in this remarkable story to repair this magnificent lodge to its original life, and the Emperor never once was in it. Sad, but all the craftsmen and women who worked on the looms, and the hand embroideries and the bamboo wood crafts are magnificent ! The westerners came to help restore the paintings off the ceilings done by an Italian close to the Emperor. The more I see stories like this documentary, the more I appreciate the history of the Chinese people. I thank the story taking nearly 8 years to complete this beautiful work of art not found any other part of the world. I appreciated the subbing in order to understand the true beauty of the West working along side by side with the Chinese culture.

[@AndrejTelisman]

Delicate exquisite work of one mind, with vision and dream and love to his county. Craftsman did excellent work here, reviving old and dedicated, yet so beautiful and simple on first look, but difficult and complex. It is good to see that old arts still lives, arts of wood, cotton, and paper. I hope that after this project did finish in 2008, this Master craftsman's did continue to work, get new orders and maybe wake some other old traditions of China, that didn't touch by this project. This was and still is an opportunity to conversate living China history: crafts, skills, knowledge, technics and connected with this, as new Project reviving and preserving genius of craftsmen of China.

[@gardensofthegods]

Incredibly humble , and talented people finally getting some appreciation for their painstaking work done with loving hands and patient minds . These people really had heart . It was a pleasure and hear them speak of the trade that was handed down to them . It was wonderful to share their journey and their Joy at the final outcome . Simply wonderful .

[@robertyates151]

A very incredibly important and moving documentary on Chinese artwork and the artisans that continues their ancient craftsmanship!! Thank goodness for the artisans that have kept their magnificent artwork and historically important craftsmanship going!! Breathtakingly beautiful!!

[@curiousmonster8221]

Immense skill and pride in those traditional crafts. We need more of that in Europe where tradition is spat upon

[@jmasters3438]

Every person that worked on this project (especially the wonderful craftmen) should get a BIG check every month for the rest of their lives. Wonderful job!

[@fionatanzer5270]

The looks of pure joy and amazement on the faces of the craftsmen and craftswomen on seeing the results of their work says everything that needs to be said about this beautiful work of restoration.

[@fayemhariz434]

It was an amazing documentary.., my eyes feasted on the interior design of the lodge itself, the decorative materials used were exquisitely and aesthetically made. I love how everyone tried their best and persevered to restore one such an amazing historical piece that would continually awe every individual who will set their eyes on it. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful documentary.. I love it😊

[@joanfordham1305]

I am always stunned by the amazing quality of Chinese art Chinese watercolours produced by the National Centre in Xian are breathtaking

[@kimdramer1641]

Very nicely done. Accurate information, excellent info from experts--but most wonderful of all--the words of the contemporary craftsmen who worked so diligently to restore this amazing place. Thanks for uploading.

[@kophee3027]

I enjoyed watching every second of this video….thank you for sharing and to all those who worked so hard to keep history and craftsmanship a live.

[@weRarmy_weRBL]

Cannot thank enough for this video. Thanks to this work, I was able to enjoy the marvel of these buildings and all these art. Something that probably I will never be able to do in real life unfortunately. So truly grateful.

[@Shifang]

That is some absolutely exquisite craftsmanship...it's breathtaking on so many levels. The hours, the care, the materials put into it when it was built, and now for the restoration are truly mind-boggling. I'm so glad they took the time to find people who could do the original work justice--they could have easily cheaped out and gone with something inferior. I love how vibrant the colors are on the fabric and that trompe l'oeil (French for "deceive the eye", the spelling always trips me up, I had to look it up) mural was one of the best I have ever seen. That would be so amazing to see in person and marvel at the detail. They really did an amazing job!