The Qing was China's last dynasty (1644-1911). Its last years were marred by widespread corruption, reluctance to modernise, questionable use of funds and land concessions granted to foreign countries. The marble boat at the Summer Palace is a reminder of how things went wrong - it was built under the direction of Empress Cixi, when she restored the Summer Palace using money that had been earmarked for the Navy.
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What a fascinating Q!
ReplyDeleteYou've got good knowledge of Chinese history!
ReplyDeleteI know this history very well. What an irony that she used the money that was earmarked for the northern fleet to build a marble imitation of New Orleans river boat that will not float. The Qing lost the war with Japan because of that.
ReplyDeleteA marble boat. Why not.
ReplyDeleteLovely photo though.
Hey J, i've sent The Road by Cormac McCarthy, Anita and Me by Meera Syal, Ring of Bright Water trilogy by Gavin Maxwell and a wee history of Edinburgh by John Mackay. I hope they're appropriate.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the pontification. It's fascinating stuff.
Hallo!
ReplyDeleteThanks for vizitin my blog. But footie issent jus a gayme it's reelly important. But Mummy wud agree wiv yu. Gerls don't allways hav the footie gene. Hehehee.
Hey my Unkol Roy teeches English abrord. He is in Mexico rite now. But he duzzent hav a cold so heez ok.
China sownds cool.
We went to the First Emporer exhibishun in London larst yeer, wiv lots ov terrercotta soldgers. I bort a keyring.
Three cheers for corruption cos now there's a boat made of stone to take piccies of! ;-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful take on Q!
ReplyDeleteI see your point - It is a beautiful ship, but can hardly be called a naval vessel!
ReplyDeleteNice post for Q...enjoyed reading the info..
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised that a marble boat will float! Beautiful reflection in your photo.
ReplyDeleteGreat Q choice, and informative, too.
A marble boat - beautiful but totally impractical. A decided misuse of money. Lovely photo though.
ReplyDeletegreat Q post and love what you say in your about me you sound rather interesting
ReplyDeletethis is such a unique Q post! Nice job. I especially love the reflections in the water.
ReplyDelete