While goldfish have short memories, this display of the little swimmers leaves a deep impression on visitors, Yang Feiyue reports.

The morning sun filters through lush giant trees in the eastern courtyards of Prince Kung's Palace Museum in downtown Beijing, dotting the water's surface with shifting patterns of light and shadow.

Beneath, flashes of living gold — elegant goldfish — drift like jewels among lily pads and lotus leaves at the museum tucked away in a hutong alley for more than 200 years.

They move through their watery world with timeless grace. Visitors come to the museum for more than just viewing an exhibition; they also step into a poetic scene that has remained unchanged for centuries.

This is the heart of the Palace Garden Elegance: Goldfish Special Exhibition, which opened on Sept 10 and will close on Tuesday.

Jointly hosted by Prince Kung's Palace Museum and the Beijing fisheries technology extension station, the exhibition is staged near the museum's Duofu Belvedere.

Dozens of traditional goldfish vessels, such as wooden basins and clay pots, are elegantly arranged, displaying over 600 specimens of more than 50 varieties of imperial goldfish.

These "court goldfish" are regarded as aquatic treasures and represent the highest standard of goldfish breeding.

Visitors are invited to admire the dazzling colors and elegant forms of these graceful swimmers up close, immersing themselves in a poetic scene reminiscent of ancient verses.

Now in its fourth year, the exhibition has become a cultural event known for blending horticulture, historical recreation and the art of living.

This year's edition lays emphasis on fully immersing visitors in the refined goldfish culture of ancient China.

"We are proud to present a number of exceptionally rare and precious goldfish varieties," says He Chuan, a researcher from the Beijing fisheries technology extension station.

Among them is the Etouhong (Goosehead Red) goldfish, a rare and prestigious variety that is often regarded as the Queen of Goldfish for its elegance and beauty.

It is characterized by a bright, fiery red "hood", a pure, white, pearlescent body and graceful movements.