On the eve of the second anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, there was a significant special exhibition featuring the Yuanmingyuan, known as the "Garden of Ten Thousand Gardens." The Yuanmingyuan, with its magnificent golden splendor, played a crucial role in the hearts of the Chinese people, representing both glory and sorrow. For friends who love Chinese history and culture, the mood is particularly exhilarating. This exhibition is divided into two phases, showcasing over 190 precious artifacts and lasting for five months. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and visitors are encouraged to cherish the time and seize the chance to visit.
The Yuanmingyuan, consisting of the Changchun Garden and the Qichun Garden, is often simply referred to as the Yuanmingyuan due to its vast area. Situated in the Haidian District of northwest Beijing, it was originally a natural wetland with towering mountains and long rivers. Surrounded by natural landscapes and lush trees, it was renowned as a famous summer resort. Towards the end of the Ming Dynasty, members of the imperial family had already begun building private residences there, gradually expanding the area. In 1644, when the Qing army entered the Central Plains and established control over the country, they, being a nomadic people from the northeast, found the summer heat and winter cold in Beijing unbearable. Therefore, they chose the Haidian District to establish a royal retreat for leisure and residence. After about 60 years of effort, it was finally completed in the 46th year of the Kangxi reign (1707). Over the next 150 years, six emperors lived and handled state affairs here, including the Yongzheng and Qianlong emperors. Emperor Yongzheng even spent more time in the Yuanmingyuan than in the Forbidden City in Beijing!
What does "Yuanming" mean? "Yuanming" here refers to the emperor's magnanimity and brilliance. "Yuan" represents completeness and fullness, usually used to describe the emperor's achievements; "Ming" indicates brightness and splendor, also symbolizing the glory and brilliance of the empire. Therefore, "Yuanming" together refers to the emperor's perfection and glory. Not long after the completion of the Yuanmingyuan, Emperor Kangxi conferred the Yuanmingyuan to his fourth son, Yinzhen, who later became Emperor Yongzheng, as a private residence. Emperor Yongzheng was very fond of this place. After ascending to the throne, he invested heavily in its expansion, with over 100 main palaces and a total of more than 600 buildings covering an area of 5,200 mu. It became a famous royal garden palace, grander and more magnificent than the Forbidden City in Beijing!
From an aerial perspective, the Yuanmingyuan resembles an inverted Chinese character "品." To the right of the Yuanmingyuan is the Changchun Garden, and to the south is the Qichun Garden, later renamed Wanchun Garden. The integration of Chinese and Western cultures within the Yuanmingyuan is reflected in its famous architectural features:
1. The Grand Waterworks: This is a grand water landscape project composed of reservoirs, canals, and fountains, representing one of the core landscapes of the Yuanmingyuan. The famous fountain pool and 12 bronze animal heads are located here;
2. The Hall of Central Harmony: An important building in the Yuanmingyuan where Emperor Qianlong handled state affairs and received guests. This magnificent palace reflects the unique style and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese imperial architecture;
3. The Western-style Buildings: These were constructed in imitation of European styles, showcasing the Qing dynasty's interest in and admiration for Western culture. The main figures responsible were the Italian missionary Lang Shining and the French missionary Joseph-Marie Amiot;
4. The Hall of Ten Thousand Blessings: This palace was built during the Qianlong period in the Yuanmingyuan, imitating the architectural style of the Hall of Nurtured Harmony in the Old Summer Palace. Located at the core position along the main axis of the garden, it was originally named "Palace of Eternal Longevity" by Emperor Qianlong. During his reign, Emperor Qianlong decreed it to be renamed "Hall of Ten Thousand Blessings," expressing wishes for national peace and prosperity. The architectural complex resembles the character "万" (meaning "ten thousand"), with over 30 rooms, embodying traditional Chinese Feng Shui culture.
In addition to these, a significant area of the Yuanmingyuan is called Jiuzhou Qingyan, where under the rule of the Qing Dynasty, the world was peaceful and prosperous. "九洲" refers to the nine connected fortunate lands in legends, symbolizing peace and tranquility in the world; "青晏" indicates a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Therefore, "九洲青晏" can be understood as a longing and yearning for an ideal world. This was an important place for the emperor to handle daily affairs of state, becoming the second power center due to the convenience of governance with six ministries attached here.
The Yuanmingyuan is renowned in the hearts of the Chinese people for its majestic palace buildings, adorned with mountain and water landscapes, and its magnificent aura. On the other hand, it also represents the sorrow of its destruction during the Second Opium War, marking the decline of the empire, which is deeply regrettable! In October 1860, the Anglo-French allied forces invaded Beijing, and Emperor Xianfeng fled. Due to the Qing government's killing of more than ten negotiators, the British commander Elgin ordered the burning of the Yuanmingyuan as retaliation! The flames blazed for three days and nights, and the world-famous garden turned to ashes within a few days. It was a barbaric act of sacrilege against civilization, which is truly lamentable! Poverty invites aggression. As Chinese people, we must recognize history, remember the truth, strive for self-improvement, or we will only suffer more hardships. Do not forget history, the lesson we should learn!
