Emperor Qianlong's favorite reading place getting a face-lift

Beihai Park's Yilan Hall in Beijing is to opene to the public on Thursday.[Photo/Xinhua]

Deng Min, curator of the show and director of the Beihai Park Institute of Heritage Studies, said the exhibition would be on display until the renovations begin on Yilan Hall.

The park is now working on the renovation plan, and work is expected to start next year. It plans to complete repairs on the old buildings and environment over the next two to three years, according to the park administration.

Visitors' applauded the opening of the heritage site.

Peng Shixiang, 60, who came to the exhibition with his wife on Friday morning, said, "It's good for us to have access to authentic cultural heritage; before, I could only walk by the door."

First built in the 12th century, during the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), Beihai Park is Beijing's oldest and best-preserved imperial garden. The park covers 68.2 hectares with a lake taking up more than half the area.

The park's gardens were built to imitate renowned scenic spots and architecture from various regions in China.