The exhibition is blessed with good English explanations for all the displays. This helps greatly for non-Chinese speakers, although the text-heavy nature of exhibits -- the Manchu administration was very bureaucratic and Chien Lung was much given to annotation -- can be better enjoyed with some knowledge of Chinese or of the period. For all the difficulties that such a complex exhibit provides, it successfully gives an insight into the man who stood behind so many and varied works. He was a directing intelligence for so many projects, which are given considerable space; but the objects of personal use, gifts he gave or was given, reflect something of the individual. The level of perspective that this mixture provides is invaluable, making the events of a highly complex period of history come into focus.
Emperor Chien Lung's Grand Cultural Enterprise is one of the high points of the Palace Museum's cultural calendar and for anyone interested in Chinese history is not to be missed.
What: Emperor Chien Lung's Grand Cultural Enterprise
Where: Special Exhibition Hall, Library Building, National Palace Museum
When: Until Dec. 20, 9am to 5pm daily
Tickets: NT$100
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