World Heritage Tour — Imperial Palace and Garden

Author: Hu Yunhuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: Gathering the essence from 754 UNESCO World Heritage sites across 129 countries and regions, this book presents the finest of the finest. Each site is a masterpiece of human genius and a marvel of nature! This book takes you on a tour of some of the world's most famous palaces, from the Forbidden City in the East to the Palace of Versailles in the West, as well as the few surviving medieval Islamic palaces. Here, you will find grand halls, magnificent gardens, exquisite furniture, and countless invaluable works of art. Each palace is a treasure trove built with immense wealth and the dedication of artists. Palaces are symbols of royal power, embodying the will of the monarchs and serving as the center of governance. Kangxi, Qianlong, Louis XIV, Peter the Great, Frederick the Great, and Napoleon all made appearances, showcasing how these renowned rulers handled state affairs, received ambassadors, and hosted grand banquets within the palace walls. You will also see them as ordinary humans, facing illness, aging, disappointment, and death. The imperial gardens were also where the king and queen lived, rested, and enjoyed leisure activities. The wedding ceremony of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, as well as the 50th birthday celebration of Empress Dowager Cixi, remain vividly preserved. Visiting these palaces not only reveals the golden and splendid palaces and the blooming imperial gardens but also uncovers the rise and fall of empires, the intrigues within the palace, and the joys and sorrows of the emperors and empresses.