The two-story museum, covering an area of 5,600 square meters, are installed with advanced air-conditioners, fireproof equipment and anti-theft facilities.

The construction of the Summer Palace began in 1750 and was completed in 1765. It is the biggest imperial garden in China and a popular tourist attraction.

The garden was put on UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List in 1998.

Historians say that the garden contains thousands of rare relics, including bronze and jade vessels, wooden and bamboo items, musical instruments, paintings, sculptures and books.

All these relics had been stored in a 100-year-old warehouse, which had been weakened by rain and worms.

The construction of the museum cost 60 million yuan (US$7.5 million).

(Xinhua)