Hidden Treasures in Snow-covered Tibet—Exhibition of Brilliant Collections of Cultural Relics in Norbulingka (2015)

Norbulingka means “Jeweled Garden” in Tibetan. First built in the mid-18^th century by the 7^th Dalai Lama Kelzang Gyatso, Norbulingka is well-acknowledged as the famous ancient garden of the highest elevation in the world. From September 22 to December 4, 2015, the Summer Palace co-hosted the “Hidden Treasures in Snow-covered Tibet—Exhibition of Brilliant Collections of Cultural Relics in Norbulingka” with Norbulingka Management Office of the Tibet Autonomous Region. With a total of 74 piece/sets of precious cultural relics on display, this exhibition consists of four parts, namely “Buddhist Statues•Art Classics”, “Everlasting Thangka•Living Encyclopedia”, “Religious Implements•Classic Literature” and “Everyday Life•Rare Treasures”. This is the first joint program of exhibition presentation between the Summer Palace and cultural heritage institutions in Tibet as well as the first time for cultural relics in Norbulingka to make their debut in the imperial garden of the Summer Palace. The exhibition was set off well by the peculiar display designing with a rich Tibetan style and flavor, thus serving as an ideal platform for visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of humanistic landscape and horticultural charm of Norbulingka.