Full steam ahead for exhibitions marking Palace Museum's 90th anniversary

A painting of Empress Dowager Chongqing.[Photo/baidu]

"Auspicious Prosperity, Reverent Service: The Life of Empress Dowager Chongqing"

Location: Shoukang Gong (Palace of Longevity and Health)

Permanent exhibit

Empress Dowager Chongqing (1693-1777) lived in the Shoukang Gong for 42 years. This palatial residence was specially built for her by the Qianlong Emperor and held unrivalled prestige in the imperial court. The Qianlong Emperor bestowed his mother with honorary titles on nine different occasions. He also included her in four of his inspection tours to the South. Beyond the Forbidden City's walls, Empress Dowager Chongqing's birthday was lavishly celebrated throughout the country.

Within the palace walls, she enjoyed the happiness of five generations of her family living together. She died at the advanced age of 86, and she was one of China's longest-lived queen mothers.

This exhibition features over 60 articles related to Empress Dowager Chongqing from the permanent collection of the Palace Museum. The items present a true picture of this noblewoman's life and reveal the social background and styles of the prosperous Qianlong reign.