Qián Lóng (乾隆)

**Qianlong Emperor: The Golden Age Ruler** **Early Life and Background** Born **Hongli** (弘历) in 1711, the Qianlong Emperor was the fourth son of the Yongzheng Emperor and grandson of the legendary Kangxi Emperor. Raised in the Forbidden City, he received a rigorous education in Confucian classics, literature, and military strategy. His intelligence impressed his grandfather, Kangxi, who reportedly favored him as a future ruler. In 1735, he ascended the throne at age 24, adopting the reign name **Qianlong** (乾隆), meaning "Lasting Eminence." **Major Achievements** Qianlong presided over China’s **last golden age**, expanding the Qing Empire to its greatest territorial extent through military campaigns in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Burma. Domestically, he promoted arts and scholarship, overseeing the compilation of the **Siku Quanshu** (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries), the largest collection of Chinese literature in history. His reign saw economic prosperity, with a flourishing trade system and a stable administration. **Historical Significance** Qianlong’s 60-year reign (1735–1796) marked the zenith of Qing power, but also sowed seeds of decline. His later years saw corruption (notably by his favorite minister, Heshen) and growing Western influence, which would later challenge China’s sovereignty. **Interesting Facts** - Qianlong was a **prolific poet**, writing over **40,000 verses**—though few are considered masterpieces. - He famously **retired in 1796** to avoid surpassing his grandfather Kangxi’s reign length, but secretly retained power. - A passionate art collector, his personal seal appears on countless paintings—sometimes excessively! **Legacy** Qianlong shaped China’s cultural identity, reinforcing Confucian values while embracing Manchu traditions. His era remains synonymous with imperial splendor, though his successors struggled with the challenges he left behind. Today, his legacy endures in art, literature, and the enduring image of China’s last great imperial age.