National treasures come to life on TV show

"If people are bored, there is something wrong with our methods," she said.

In a segment on A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains, a well-known Chinese painting now housed in the Palace Museum, actor Li Chen plays Emperor Huizong of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

Historical records show Wang Ximeng, the man behind the painting, was a student at the royal painting academy who failed to produce satisfactory work. But his potential was discovered by Huizong. Under the emperor's tutelage, the 18-year-old budding genius completed this milestone in Chinese fine art history within half a year.