For centuries, the focus has been on his story. Now, it’s time to learn hers. CGTN gives you a glimpse inside the Forbidden City, to meet the empresses who defied expectations and helped define a dynasty.

The Empresses of China’s Last Empire

Treasures from inside the Palace Museum in Beijing are now on display in the U.S. It’s the first major international exhibit to offer this rare look inside the court of the last empire: the Qing Dynasty. Nearly 200 objects help weave this tale of power, politics and life inside the palace.

Power and Politics Inside the Palace

The complex relationship between China and the U.S. has evolved over the years, encompassing international rivalry and economies that are intertwined. Some of it can trace its roots back to the late 19th century, and a formidable figure from China’s last Dynasty.

Her story is being told through dozens of items on display at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA in the U.S. It’s a rare glimpse inside the Qing Dynasty and into the lives of its empresses.

The Qing Dynasty Meets the Small Screen

Their stories have leaped from the pages of history and transformed into cyber-sensations. Costume dramas focused on the Qing Dynasty are shattering online viewership records, adding to the renewed interest in China’s last empire and its empresses.

Michael Berry discusses our fascination with China’s last dynasty

To find out why the Qing dynasty has such a hold on people both inside and outside of China, CGTN’s Asieh Namdar spoke with Michael Berry, an author and professor of contemporary Chinese cultural studies at the University of California, Los Angeles.

More about the exhibit

Curator Jan Stuart explains the difficult process of transitioning exhibits with Chinese artifacts
Jan Stuart will oversee the transition of an exhibition of Qing Dynasty artifacts when it comes to Washington in March. She’s the Curator of Chinese Art at the Smithsonian Intitution’s Freer-Sackler Museum. CGTN’s Elaine Reyes spoke with her about the work that goes into bringing an exhibition like this to the U.S.

Curator Jan Stuart discusses US-China collaboration on the Qing Dynasty exhibit
Curators timed the exhibition on the Qing Dynasty empresses to coincide with the 40th anniversary of China and the U.S. establishing diplomatic ties. Curator Jan Stuart is part of the team behind the exhibition. She says it took four years and several trips to the Forbidden City to research. CGTN’s Elaine Reyes spoke with her about the level of collaboration between the two nations.

PHOTO GALLERY: Qing Dynasty exhibit