The Precious Collection of the Stone Moat exhibition at the Palace Museum last year helps improve knowledge of classical Chinese painting and Emperor Qianlong's collecting philosophy.[Photo provided to China Daily]

The Precious Collection of the Stone Moat exhibition at the Palace Museum was undoubtedly a highlight of the 2015 cultural calendar.

The show, divided into two phases, displayed 283 classical Chinese paintings and calligraphy pieces once cataloged in the Precious Collection of the Stone Moat, an inventory of the royal collection of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It was compiled under orders of Emperor Qianlong to record some 11,000 artworks that were considered excellent among his immense collection.

Most visitors had to wait for long hours to get a glimpse of the Qingming Shanghe Tu, one of the best-known pieces on display, which is a scroll that shows scenes along the river during the Qingming Festival.

However, because of the huge crowds, each visitor got only a few minutes to have a look at the painting whose colors have faded.

The exhibition is believed to have reignited people's interest in classical Chinese painting and calligraphy.

Over the years, there has been a growing interest in the Precious Collection of the Stone Moat among collectors of Chinese antiques.