A visitor appreciates archival materials at the Enduring Legacy of Harmony and Beauty: Exhibition on the History and Culture of the Mufu Mansion in Lijiang at Prince Kung's Palace Museum. [Photo by Jiang Dong / China Daily]

The Enduring Legacy of Harmony and Beauty: Exhibition on the History and Culture of the Mufu Mansion in Lijiang opened on Tuesday at Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into the heritage of southwest Yunnan province's Lijiang.

Co-hosted by the museum and the Lijiang government, the exhibition is being held at the Ledao Hall gallery within the museum.

The Mufu Mansion, located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town of Lijiang, once served as the administrative center of the Mu chieftains of the Naxi ethnic group.

From the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) to the early Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), the Mu family governed Lijiang for over 400 years. Upholding national unity while embracing openness and inclusiveness, Mu chieftains actively absorbed Central Plains culture and fostered exchanges among diverse ethnic groups. Under their governance, Lijiang became a place of ethnic harmony and cultural interaction, contributing to the early formation of a unified Chinese civilization.

Ethnic Naxi dance is among the exhibition opening's highlights. [Photo by Jiang Dong / China Daily]

The exhibition is the first of its kind to focus specifically on the historical significance and cultural legacy of the Mufu Mansion. It brings together more than 70 artifacts and archival materials from 10 museums and libraries in Beijing and Yunnan province, many of which are displayed together for the first time.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chen Xiaowen, deputy director of Prince Kung's Palace Museum, noted that the museum — one of the best-preserved Qing Dynasty princely residences open to the public in Beijing — stands as a testament to the interactions of diverse cultures within the imperial capital. He said the exhibition draws a meaningful parallel between the Mufu Mansion and Prince Kung's Mansion as historical sites reflecting cultural exchange and coexistence.

Ethnic accessories on display at the exhibition. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Gao Ping, vice-mayor of Lijiang, said the exhibition showcases the traditions of the Naxi ethnic group and the achievements in preserving and revitalizing the Old Town of Lijiang. He describes the Mufu Mansion as a symbol of the local people's cultural values and civic ideals, as well as a convergence of artistic aesthetics and urban planning traditions across ethnic groups.

"The meeting of the Mu Mansion and Prince Gong's Mansion here in Beijing is a celebration of cultural diversity and harmony," Gao said.

In addition to historical artifacts, the exhibition features photographs and materials related to Naxi history, customs and art, highlighting the unique cultural identity shaped through centuries of interaction with other ethnic groups, including elements of intangible cultural heritage.

The exhibition will run through June 30.