The Palace Museum, a revered emblem of China’s history in Beijing, found itself at the center of a recent social media storm. Responding to widely circulated rumors, a representative of the museum clarified that, contrary to popular belief, the museum has indeed experienced waterlogging incidents in its illustrious 600-year past. This statement quashed false claims that the museum had remained untouched by waterlogging throughout its existence.
China’s microblogging platform, Sina Weibo, lit up with discussions, reactions, and speculations. A particular hashtag, highlighting the staff member’s denial of the museum’s pristine waterlogging history, surged in popularity, amassing over 200 million views and sparking over 4,000 threads of conversation by Tuesday evening.
Earlier, various social media channels, including the trending platform Douyin, broadcasted footage showcasing rainwater pooling in the Cining Palace, a section situated in the museum’s western segment. These visuals quickly went viral, prompting the museum’s response.
In a detailed clarification, Di Yajing, who heads the World Heritage Monitoring Department at the Palace Museum, referenced historical archives to debunk the prevalent myths. She cited the Beijing News Radio, which reported past incidents of water-related damages in the museum, such as leaks, collapsed structures, and courtyard waterlogging. A notable example from the records highlighted water accumulation in parts of the Palace Museum back in 1885. Immediate corrective measures were taken each time, ensuring no long-term damage ensued.
Elaborating on the museum’s maintenance measures, Di Yajing emphasized that the current dredging frequency, thrice annually, far surpasses what was practiced during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.
The museum’s drainage architecture is a testament to the engineering prowess of yore. Originating during the Ming Dynasty era, this elaborate system boasts rainwater ditches spanning over 15 kilometers. Intriguingly, close to 13 kilometers of these ditches are concealed underground. According to Xinhua News Agency, these channels culminate in the Inner Golden River, eventually merging with the encompassing moat around the museum, the Outer Golden River, and the Zhonghai-Nanhai aquatic systems.
The Beijing News Radio report further dissected the drainage process. Rain cascading on the museum’s rooftops is funneled to the ground. Several courtyards adopt a design gradient, higher in the north and lower in the south, facilitating water movement from central areas to the peripheral ditches. This water then navigates a route through subterranean channels and eventually feeds into the Jinshui River.
Modern adaptations to the museum’s drainage include two distinct systems. The first, dating back to the 1950s, caters to the museum’s municipal sewage needs, catering to public utilities like washrooms. The second system, designed exclusively for rainwater management, has been retained from ancient designs, ensuring rainwater is effectively channeled into the Jinshui River.
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