Tibet relics to be exhibited in Beijing

Thousands of kilometers lie between the Forbidden City in Beijing, China's imperial palace complex from 1420 to 1911, and the Tashihunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the Tibet autonomous region, built in 1447 and now the seat of the Panchen Lama, a Tibetan spiritual leader.

The two historic buildings are of immense importance to China since they both have helped maintain social stability and harmony among different ethnic groups in the past half millennia.

Now they will be joined by a major, three-month exhibition on Tibetan heritage set to open in December in the Meridian Gate Gallery at the Beijing complex, which is now the Palace Museum.