Cultural salon blooms at Prince Gung's Palace Museum

Prince Gung's Palace Museum welcomed scholars, poets, musicians and artists on Monday for its 14th edition of the Haitang Yaji cultural salon, an event celebrating classical Chinese poetry, music and traditional arts against the backdrop of blooming crabapple trees.

The tradition dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) when scholars and nobility gathered in the gardens at Prince Gung's mansion to compose poetry and appreciate the beauty of spring. After a long hiatus, the event was revived in 2011 at the suggestion of renowned scholar Zhou Ruchang, who believed that "a mansion, no matter how well-restored, remains an empty shell without reviving its cultural spirit".

This year's gathering continued the legacy, featuring recitations of classical and newly composed poetry, guqin (a seven-stringed zither) performances, calligraphy, and tea ceremonies. Distinguished attendees included members of the Chinese Poetry Society and scholars specializing in traditional Chinese culture.

The event highlights the mansion's role as a bridge between historical traditions and contemporary cultural expressions. Feng Naien, director of Prince Gung's Palace Museum, emphasizes that "cultural heritage should not fade into history but be revitalized as a living tradition".

Since its revival, the cultural event has grown beyond Beijing, with past editions held at Nankai University and other cultural hubs.