A Journey Through Time: Exploring the Imperial Mark

I. Introduction: The Qianlong Imperial Palace, an essential stop for Qing Dynasty emperors during their southern tours, symbolizes imperial power and represents the intersection of Jiangnan garden art and historical culture. Remains of these palaces can be found in various locations across China, such as Xuzhou and Suqian Zaohe, with the Xuzhou Yunlong Mountain Palace and the Suqian Zaohe Dragon King Temple Palace being the most representative. The former is renowned for its garden scenery and imperial atmosphere, while the latter stands out for its grand scale, characteristic of northern palace architecture. This article will focus on the Qianlong Imperial Palace on Yunlong Mountain in Xuzhou, incorporating the unique features of the Zaohe Palace in Suqian, to guide readers on a journey through time and imperial culture. II. Historical Context: Imperial Southern Tours and the Origin of the Palaces The story of Emperor Qianlong's six journeys south of the Yangtze River is widely known, and his connection with Xuzhou is particularly profound. During his four southern tours, Qianlong chose to stay at the Yunlong Mountain Palace in Xuzhou three times, demonstrating his fondness for this location. Originally a Yu Wang Temple, the palace was rebuilt in the 22nd year of Qianlong's reign (1757) at the northern foot of Yunlong Mountain, backed by green hills and overlooking the ancient city. Qianlong's choice of this location was not only due to the beautiful scenery but also because Xuzhou was a key area for managing the Yellow River's floods. He personally inspected the river defenses multiple times, reduced taxes, and left behind the poem "Famous gardens lean on green waters, wild bamboo reaches the blue sky," integrating political achievements with natural beauty. The Suqian Zaohe Imperial Palace (officially known as the Anlan Dragon King Temple) was initially built during the Shunzhi period and expanded during the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong reigns. Covering 36 mu, it is the largest and most well-preserved Qianlong Imperial Palace in China. Qianlong stayed here five times during his six southern tours. The palace complex, with its three courtyards and nine entrances, combines sacrificial and residential functions, highlighting the emperor's emphasis on water management and people's livelihoods. III. Architecture and Gardens: Imperial Grandeur and Jiangnan Elegance 1. Xuzhou Yunlong Mountain Palace: A Harmonious Blend of Poetry and Painting in a Jiangnan Garden The remaining relics of the palace include the main hall, the stele garden, and ancient bells. Red walls and brown tiles complement the green pines and cypresses. The garden layout features winding corridors connecting pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, showcasing the delicate and graceful style of Jiangnan gardens. The imperial stele in front of the main hall bears Qianlong's calligraphy and poetry, a testament to the emperor's literary and martial achievements. The stele garden displays nearly a hundred stone rubbings of calligraphy by renowned Tang and Song Dynasty artists, creating an immersive experience in the art of calligraphy. 2. Suqian Zaohe Imperial Palace: An Exemplar of Northern Palace Architecture The Zaohe Imperial Palace centers around the Dragon King Hall, with the Imperial Stele Pavilion, the ancient opera house, and the sleeping quarters arranged in sequence. The complex exudes solemnity and grandeur. The Yu Wang Hall, standing at 20 meters, is the tallest structure in the palace, where Qianlong once spent the night. Its colorful paintings feature dragons, phoenixes, and peonies, while the upturned eaves and thick pillars demonstrate the majestic atmosphere of northern palace architecture. IV. Cultural Experiences: A Dialogue Between History and the Present 1. Relics and Exhibitions: Touching the Temperature of History The Xuzhou Palace is adjacent to the museum, which houses treasures such as jade burial suits and Han Dynasty jade artifacts. A special exhibition, "Qianlong and Xuzhou," recreates scenes of the emperor's governance through sculptures and illustrations. The Imperial Stele Pavilion in the Suqian Palace records the achievements of the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong emperors in water management, with elegant calligraphy resembling a historical scroll. 2. Cultural Creativity and Cuisine: Modern Interpretations of Traditional Aesthetics In recent years, the Xuzhou Palace has developed a cultural and creative district, offering Qianlong-themed tea drinks and pastries. Visitors can enjoy "Fengtian Tea Rhyme" milk tea, purchase non-heritage handicrafts, and experience the aesthetics of "Qianqing Life." Around the Suqian Palace, local specialties such as Jingxi tofu and roasted whole lamb integrate culinary delights with cultural exploration. 3. Immersive Activities: Experiencing Centuries-Old Rituals Both palaces regularly host activities such as court rituals and costume parades. The stele garden in the Xuzhou Palace features regular non-heritage performances, while the ancient opera house in the Suqian Palace recreates scenes of emperors watching performances. Visitors can dress in Qing Dynasty costumes and experience imperial etiquette. V. Travel Guide: Practical Information and In-depth Tips 1. Xuzhou Yunlong Mountain Palace - Address: 101 Heping Road, Yunlong District, Xuzhou City (adjacent to the Xuzhou Museum). - Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, free admission. - Transportation: Subway Line 2 to Normal University Yunlong Campus Station, then a 400-meter walk; or by bus to Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Station or Normal University North Gate Station. - Must-see spots: Imperial Stele, Youming Bell, Jiangnan Garden, Cultural and Creative District. 2. In-depth Experience Suggestions - Photography enthusiasts: The red walls and green trees of the Xuzhou Palace are ideal for traditional Chinese photography, while the Suqian Palace complex offers opportunities to capture the interplay of light and shadow. - History buffs: Combine visits to the Xuzhou Museum and Suqian water conservancy relics to connect the Han Dynasty culture with the history of water management in the Qing Dynasty. - Families with children: The interactive area in the Xuzhou Museum allows children to try on armor, while boating on Luoma Lake is available near Suqian. VI. Conclusion: Cultural Insights from the Imperial Palace Journey The Qianlong Imperial Palaces are not merely waystations for imperial southern tours but also epitomes of ancient Chinese politics, architecture, and art. The Xuzhou Palace reveals the emperor's concern for the people's livelihood, while the Suqian Palace showcases imperial majesty with its grand scale. These two sites transcend time, narrating the splendor of a prosperous era and the vicissitudes of history. Today, as we stroll through these palaces, we can appreciate the beauty of the gardens and understand the pulse of civilization, finding a sense of cultural belonging and spiritual nourishment in the dialogue between past and present. Qianlong Imperial Palace (Heping Road)