"Louis XIV, The Sun King: Treasures from the Chateau de Versailles" opens today at the Shanghai Museum.

The three-month-long exhibition parallels the exhibition of Chinese Emperor Kangxi held at the Chateau Versailles in 2004, and is part of "The Year of France in China."

The exhibition features around 80 pieces, ranging from oil paintings and sculpture to furniture and silverware on loan from the Versailles Chateau Museum and Leblanc Duvernoy Museum in France.

"Both Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) and Louis XIV (1638-1715) lived in almost the same period and had long reigns over their countries," said Li Feng, spokesman for local museum. "They had a glorious historical page and shared with some common traits. Visitors will learn more about Louis XIV through this exhibition."

The three-part show covers the king's life, palace and royal family.

The highlight of the exhibit is a special room, replicating one of the actual rooms in Chateau Versailles.

(Shanghai Daily September 1, 2005)