Statue At The Summer Palace, Beijing, China
Read a guide to Beijing's Summer Palace, which was rebuilt twice by Empress Dowager Cixi.
Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) was a powerful and influential figure in late Qing dynasty China, effectively controlling the imperial court for nearly five decades. Originally a concubine of the Xianfeng Emperor, she became regent for her young son and later her nephew, wielding significant political authority during a period of internal turmoil and foreign pressure. While often criticized for resisting some modern reforms, she also oversaw efforts to modernize China’s navy, industry, and education. Cixi’s legacy remains complex, reflecting both her skillful court politics and the challenges facing China in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Beijing Images: Summer Palace
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