China's ancient murals tell stories beyond words—tales of gods and mortals, of cultural exchange along the Silk Road, and of imperial artistry at its finest. While these masterpieces are scattered across distant temples and caves, Beijing is now hosting an unprecedented convergence of the nation's most treasured mural art. For anyone with a love of history, color, and storytelling, this is an exhibition season not to be missed.
When it comes to Chinese mural art, three sites stand above all others. The Dunhuang murals, covering the walls of the Mogao Caves (莫高窟), present a thousand-year visual chronicle of the Silk Road, where Buddhist, Persian, and Chinese influences intertwine in dazzling hues. The Yongle Palace (永乐宫) murals in Shanxi, home to the legendary Chaoyuan Tu (Pilgrimage of the Celestial Worthies诸神朝元图), represent the pinnacle of Daoist artistic expression, their figures alive with movement and grandeur. Finally, Fahai Temple (法海寺) in Beijing, though lesser-known, holds some of the most refined Ming Dynasty murals, created with the highest level of palace artistry.
This year, for the first time, all three converge in Beijing through major exhibitions, offering a rare chance to appreciate these artistic treasures side by side.
Fahai Temple: The Hidden Gem of Ming Dynasty Mural Art
- Location: Fahai Temple, Beijing
- Reservations: Via "石景山文化旅游" WeChat official account
- Ticket Price: 100 RMB (includes general admission)
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, with seven guided slots per day
Tucked away in the western hills of Beijing, Fahai Temple remains a well-kept secret among art lovers. Built in the 15th century, its murals showcase the height of Ming Dynasty artistry, characterized by intricate detailing, luminous colors, and gold embellishments that shimmer in candlelight. Every figure, every stroke, and every shade reflect the refined tastes of the imperial court.
However, viewing these murals requires some effort. No mobile phones or electronic devices are allowed, preserving the murals from the slightest disturbance. Guided tours are strictly timed, each lasting just 20 minutes, ensuring the artwork remains protected while allowing visitors a glimpse into its magnificence. If photography is a must for you, visit the Fahai Temple Mural Art Museum (法海寺壁画艺术馆), a nearby digital exhibition hall that brings these masterpieces to life in stunning high-resolution projections.
Dunhuang's Beauty: The Largest Ever Exhibition of Mogao Cave Murals
- Location: Beijing Exhibition Center
- Exhibition Name: As It Is: The Art of Dunhuang
- Dates: March 29, 2025 – October 28, 2025
- Ticket Price: 68 RMB (early bird), 128 RMB (regular)
- Tickets Available On: "乐享北展" WeChat account
Dunhuang's Mogao Caves hold the world's largest collection of Buddhist murals, spanning over a millennium of artistic evolution. From the golden glow of Tang Dynasty Buddhas to the delicate pastel hues of Northern Wei-era bodhisattvas, these paintings offer an unparalleled glimpse into a world where East met West along the Silk Road.
This exhibition is a milestone: the largest and most comprehensive Dunhuang mural showcase ever assembled outside of the caves themselves. Featuring nine full-scale, millimeter-accurate replicas of the original grottoes—including eight of the rarest and most prestigious Special Grade Caves—it offers visitors an immersive journey through time. Highlights include the never-before-seen Cave 217, making its global debut, and the usually inaccessible Yuan Dynasty Cave 3, whose exquisite frescoes are now revealed to the world.
Expect interactive experiences, digital reconstructions, and archaeological insights that bring these ancient masterpieces to life. Whether it's your first encounter with Dunhuang or a long-awaited reunion, this exhibition is an unmissable celebration of China's artistic heritage.
Yongle Palace: A Daoist Paradise in the Heart of Beijing
- Location: National Library of China, National Museum of Classic Books
- Exhibition Name: Witnessing the Divine: The Yongle Palace Mural Collection
- Dates: January 12, 2025 – August 31, 2025
- Ticket Price: 79 RMB (single entry), 119 RMB (one adult + one child)
Yongle Palace, originally built in Shanxi during the Yuan Dynasty, is home to China's most magnificent Daoist murals. At its heart is the legendary Chaoyuan Tu, a vast mural depicting over 280 deities in a grand celestial gathering, their robes billowing, their expressions almost lifelike. It's a masterpiece that rivals the Sistine Chapel in both scale and artistic ambition.
This exhibition marks the first-ever full-scale showcase of Yongle Palace's treasures in Beijing. Highlights include:
The first public display of the original Song Defang Sarcophagus, a Daoist burial artifact of extraordinary detail.
The first complete restoration of the Ming Dynasty's "Five Dragons Bearing the Saint五龙捧圣" mural, a stunning display of mythological symbolism.
The historic first-time pairing of the Yongle Palace Daoist scriptures and the National Library's ancient Daoist texts, bridging religious thought and visual art.
Even if you've visited Yongle Palace before, the digital reconstructions and immersive projections will provide a fresh perspective on these timeless murals.
A Rare Opportunity to Witness China's Finest Murals
Bringing together the best of China's Buddhist, Daoist, and imperial mural traditions, these three exhibitions offer an unmatched cultural experience in Beijing. Each exhibition presents a different facet of China's artistic and spiritual history—whether it's the vibrant exchanges of Dunhuang, the celestial grandeur of Yongle Palace, or the refined elegance of Fahai Temple.
