Page 25 - The Garden of Perfect Brightness l: The Yuanmingyuan as Imperial Paradise (1700–1860)
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4. Peony Terrace
Louyue kaiyun
Engraved Moon and Unfolding Clouds
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The Peony Terrace occupied the island closest to the Emperor’s Private
Residence. The various buildings were nestled into an exquisite garden featuring
peonies. The Kangxi emperor observed ninety kinds of peonies blooming in the
late spring.
The Qianlong emperor chose this setting to compose poetry, and in the poem
accompanying this scene he recalls how when he was 12 sui (about 11 years) old
his grandfather Kangxi visited him and his other grandsons there. On this
