In the 18th year of the Qianlong era, which corresponds to the year 1753 AD, Yangzhou salt merchants constructed a palatial residence in the western garden of Tianning Temple, completing it in three years. In front of the palace, the Imperial Wharf was built, where Emperor Qianlong embarked on his boat to tour the Slender West Lake. The wharf, made of bluestone, has withstood over two centuries of weathering, remaining intact and as sturdy as it was originally, now marking the starting point of the famous ‘Qianlong Water Tourist Route’. Interestingly, the stele at the Imperial Wharf is inscribed with ‘Imperial Horse Head’, as there should be no obstacles beneath the emperor’s feet, hence the removal of the stone radical from ‘Ma’. Qianlong even composed a poem for this place: ‘Gently the small boat glides along the stream, the deer park’s bells and chimes echo with a lingering sound. The waters of Han Canal before the door, silently they hold the emotions of a thousand ages.’ The site is open all year round and accessible 24 hours a day.
Imperial Wharf of Yangzhou
In the 18th year of the Qianlong era, which corresponds to the year 1753 AD, Yangzhou salt merchants[...]
