The permanent exhibition "Auspicious Antiques for Longevity" at the Beijing Art Museum in Wanshou Temple explores the profound significance of longevity in traditional Chinese culture. 

Longevity holds the foremost position among China's traditional Five Blessings — longevity, wealth, health, peace and descendants — symbolizing people's respect for life and their aspiration for longevity and vitality. Through centuries of development, the celebration of longevity in China has evolved into a sophisticated symbolic system embedded in rituals, imagery, calligraphy, decorative arts and daily objects.

From imperial birthday celebrations to folk customs, and from auspicious motifs on everyday items to scholarly brush and ink works, the exhibition presents the artistic, philosophical and spiritual dimensions of longevity in Chinese culture. Hosted at Wanshou Temple — a historic site once reserved for imperial longevity rituals — the exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in centuries of blessings, beauty and reverence for life.

The entrance to the "Auspicious Antiques for Longevity" exhibition at the Beijing Art Museum in Wanshou Temple, June 19, 2025. The exhibition explores longevity in Chinese culture through centuries of ritual, symbolism and artistic expression. [Photo by Liu Ziying/China.org.cn]