Maps and Atlases
Xihu Xinggong Tu (Map of the Detached Imperial Residence at West Lake)
Album of 80 leaves in accordion binding drawn in the Qianlong Period (undated ca. 1770), Qing Dynasty. Painting sections in ink and colour on silk; text sections in ink on paper.
Located just outside the western walls of Hangzhou of Zhejiang Province, West Lake (Xihu) has long been celebrated as one of the most beautiful scenic places in China. Emperor Qianlong had visited Hangzhou for no less than six times on his southern inspection tours and he always took the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery and historic sites at West Lake. This map is an 18th-century guide map specially produced for Emperor Qianlong and his entourage for their stay at West Lake.
