Peering into the depths of Chi Ma Lung, can you imagine emperors of old seeking refuge here? Chi Ma Lung is a fascinating cave entrance. It has a unique name and interesting features.
Let’s delve into a story, not directly of this cave but of emperors and dynasties, to perhaps understand the historical backdrop against which such a place existed.
The story takes us back to the Qing Dynasty. Emperor Chien-lung ruled China for 63 years. This was longer than any other emperor. His reign was a time of splendor. There were accomplishments in literature. China saw vigorous expansion to the west and south.
Chien-lung’s reign eventually led to the Revolution of 1911. This marked the end of imperial China. But during his time, signs of collapse were not obvious.
Born Hung-li in 1711, he was the fourth son of Emperor Yung-cheng. His mother was from a powerful Manchu family. Chien-lung was devoted to his mother. He gave her the title of empress in 1735.
His hero was his grandfather, K’ang-hsi. K’ang-hsi admired him as a boy. He chose a scholar to help Chien-lung study literature. K’ang-hsi hoped Chien-lung would one day rule the Qing Dynasty. Chien-lung respected his grandfather. He modeled his policies after K’ang-hsi. He even curtailed his reign so it wouldn’t exceed his grandfather’s.
Chien-lung and his brother had identical educations. They studied Chinese literature and philosophy. They learned about past emperors and administration. They also learned Manchu martial arts. Chien-lung was a good horseman and archer. He gained experience in court affairs.
Yung-cheng chose his successor in secret. He wrote the name on paper and sealed it in a box. Chien-lung didn’t know he was chosen until the box was opened.
On October 7, 1735, it was announced that Chien-lung would be emperor. He was only 24. He inherited the Manchu dream. This dream included expansion, harmony, and a prosperous economy. He relied on high officials for advice.
Chien-lung took much of the administration into his own hands. Like his grandfather, he sought information about the empire. He received secret reports from provincial officials. He made tours of the empire. This was to check on local conditions.
Under Chien-lung, military expeditions expanded the empire. General Chao-hui marched into Chinese Turkestan in the 1750s. Qing control extended to Lake Balkhash and the Pamir mountains. Chien-lung also established a protectorate over Tibet.
In the late 18th century, he initiated military actions into Burma, Nepal, and Vietnam. In 1788, Qing troops invaded Vietnam. Though they were ousted, Qing influence remained strong.
Chien-lung was a patron of the arts. He enjoyed painting, calligraphy, and poetry. He expanded the Old Summer Palace. He also initiated “The Complete Library of the Four Treasuries.” This project preserved Chinese literature but also banned works disrespectful to the Manchus.
In his last decades, signs of decline appeared. He allowed a corrupt minister to undermine finances. The Chinese economy struggled with a growing population. Military forces became less effective.
In 1793, he told George III of England that China was self-sufficient. He didn’t need any of England’s manufactures.
Chien-lung died in 1799. His son, Chia-ching, succeeded him.
So, as we stand here at Chi Ma Lung, think of Chien-lung. A time of expansion and cultural achievement. Consider the vastness of Chinese history. This cave, Chi Ma Lung, stands as a silent witness.