Qianlong Emperor

The Qianlong Emperor (25 September 1711 – 7 February 1799), also known by his temple name Emperor Gaozong of Qing, was a ruler of the Qing dynasty. His personal name was Hongli. He was the fifth emperor of the Qing dynasty and the fourth Qing emperor to govern over China proper. He reigned officially from 1735 until his abdication in 1796 but continued to hold ultimate authority until his death in 1799. His reign is considered one of the longest in history, lasting nearly 64 years, and he lived to the age of 87.

Born in Beijing, Hongli was the fourth son of the Yongzheng Emperor and his consort Noble Consort Xi. He was appreciated by both his grandfather, the Kangxi Emperor, and his father, the Yongzheng Emperor. Historical records suggest that the Kangxi Emperor favored Hongli, which influenced his appointment as successor. After Yongzheng's ascension in 1722, Hongli was granted the title "Prince Bao of the First Rank" (和碩寶親王). During his early years, he participated in military inspections and was appointed chief regent during his father's absences.

Hongli's accession to the throne was anticipated prior to his formal proclamation as emperor, which occurred upon the death of Yongzheng in 1735. Before his death, Yongzheng entrusted a sealed will containing the name of his chosen successor, which was read publicly after his death, confirming Hongli's ascension. Upon becoming emperor, Hongli adopted the era name "Qianlong," meaning "Lasting Eminence."

His reign was marked by significant military campaigns, including efforts to expand and consolidate Qing rule over Inner Asia, Burma, Nepal, and Vietnam. Notably, the Qing defeated the Dzungar Khanate, leading to the incorporation of Xinjiang into the empire. This involved the suppression of Dzungar resistance and actions such as the Dzungar genocide, with estimates indicating that a significant portion of the Dzungar population was killed during this period. Qing conquests also extended into Tibet and Nepal, with policies aimed at consolidating influence over Mongol and Tibetan auxiliaries.

Domestically, the Qianlong Emperor was a major patron of the arts and literature. He sponsored the compilation of the Siku Quanshu, an extensive collection of Chinese historical texts, and commissioned efforts to preserve Manchu heritage. He was also a prolific writer, with his collected works consisting of over 40,000 poems and 1,300 prose texts. His patronage extended to Tibetan Buddhism, with efforts to promote Tibetan Buddhist art and translation of Buddhist texts into Manchu.

The emperor undertook major construction projects, enlarging palaces such as the Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) and the Summer Palace at Rehe. He commissioned Western-style architecture and waterworks by Jesuit artisans, including Giuseppe Castiglione and Michel Benoist, reflecting a fascination with exotic styles.

In governance, the Qianlong Emperor aimed to reinforce Manchu identity and culture, initiating policies such as "Manchu-fying" the Banner system, which was the military and social organization of the empire. He redefined Banner people to emphasize descent, and encouraged the preservation of Manchu language and culture. During his reign, the empire had the largest population and economic influence in the world.

The Qianlong Emperor demonstrated a policy of territorial expansion, expanding Qing territory to its greatest extent at the time, including vast regions of Inner Asia, Tibet, and parts of Southeast Asia. His campaigns against the Jinchuan Tibetan peoples and in Burma showcased his military ambitions, though some conflicts, such as the Sino-Burmese War, ended unsuccessfully.

He abdicated in 1796, after nearly 61 years on the throne, out of respect for the longevity of his grandfather, Kangxi. His son, the Jiaqing Emperor, succeeded him, but the Qianlong Emperor continued to wield influence as Emperor Emeritus until his death in 1799.

Family-wise, his consorts included Empress Xiaoxianchun of the Fuca clan, Empress Xiaoyichun of the Weigiya clan, and numerous other empresses, noble consorts, and concubines. He fathered numerous children, including the Jiaqing Emperor himself.

Geographically, his policies included resettling Han Chinese farmers into Manchuria and Inner Mongolia to reinforce economic growth and territorial control. During his later years, he became recluse, spending time indulging in arts and literature, often relying on officials like Heshen, whose corruption eventually led to scandal after the emperor’s death.

The Qianlong Emperor's reign significantly impacted Chinese culture, territory, and governance, with his policies and campaigns shaping the Qing Empire’s zenith and subsequent decline.