Blending Science and Tradition to Restore Relics in China's Forbidden City

Restorers at the Forbidden City in Beijing employ advanced X-ray technology to analyze artifacts, such as a glazed roof tile fragment, in order to enhance preservation efforts. The restoration team, comprised of approximately 150 workers, integrates scientific methods with traditional techniques to care for over 1.8 million relics. Restorer Kang Baoqiang highlighted the aim of identifying black materials on artifacts to improve their preservation. Qu Feng, head of the Conservation Department, noted that modern techniques complement traditional practices to safeguard the cultural values embodied in these relics.