Tongzhi Private Archives, The Last Heir Emperor

Author: Shengye (Editor), Yin Nan (Photographer)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Step into the realm of the Qing Dynasty, where real and illusory mysteries intertwine, to truly experience the imperial life that is either thrilling, tender, unrestrained, or filled with intrigue. Get close to their innermost hearts, feel their beating pulses, and explore the hidden world behind the twelve emperors. The Tongzhi era was once hailed as the "Tongzhi Rejuvenation" during its time. Amid the fading twilight of the declining Qing Dynasty, the Tongzhi era still stood out as a relatively vibrant period. It was paired with the later Guangxu era as the "Tongguang Rejuvenation" and with the earlier Xianfeng era as the "Xian Tong Rejuvenation." At that time, feudal society was irrevocably heading toward decline, and the Tongzhi era was like a brilliant sunset glow before the sun dipped below the horizon—a dazzling twilight with a fleeting brilliance. The Tongzhi era was a tragic period. The Taiping Rebellion, which had once seized half of the empire, ended in tragedy: the self-inflicted massacre during the "Tianjing Incident," the heroic demise of Shi Dakai by the Dadu River, and the ambiguous "confession" of Li Xiuqing. We do not wish to dwell here on heavy reflections about the fate of China. We simply want to present the Tongzhi era through some lesser-known perspectives. The heavy curtain of this great era has now been lifted, revealing its dazzling moments, intricate political struggles, and vividly individualized characters, all drawing closer to you.