Last week I toured one of the popular tourist sites here in our city of Changchun. Read on to learn a little Chinese history. . .
Born in 1906, Puyi became of the Emperor of China after appointment by Empress Dowager just before his third birthday and reigned from 1908-1911 (and later for 12 days in 1917 when he was nine years old). He was the twelfth and last emperor of the Qing dynasty--China's last dynasty. These were years of turmoil and change as China moved from an empire to a republic.
Wax figure of young Puyi on the throne
You may remember that in August of 2010, Chip and I toured the Forbidden City in Beijing. See link. This was Puyi's home during his short reign and where he was allowed to continuing living after he abdicated his throne.
Puyi had a British tutor who taught him about the outside world--eye-opening knowledge for a boy who had never been outside the walls of the Forbidden City. Through his tutor's connections he applied to study abroad in England, but was denied because the British government did not want to offend China. As China's political instability grew, Puyi knew he needed to get out so he talked to one of his advisers who had strong connections to Japan. And that is what brought him to Changchun, where we live today!
Me and my friend, Jeanna, outside the gates to Puyi's Palace
Japan planned to take control of China in its weak state starting with the Northeast known as Manchuria (Heilongjiang, Liaoning, and Jilin provinces--Changchun is in Jilin province) where the Qing people, Puyi's ancestors, originated. The Japanese placed Puyi on the throne as leader, and later Emperor, of Manchuria. This was not exactly what Puyi dreamed of, but it was one step closer to becoming Emperor of China again someday.
Puyi's home in Changchun
The bedrooms of his wife, Wan Rong, and his favorite concubine, Tan Yuling.
It quickly became clear to Puyi that he would only be a puppet emperor. He had no real power--he simply followed the orders of the Japanese.
Touring the lovely grounds
Japan ruled Manchuria for 14 years (1931-1945). At the end of WWII, Soviet forces invaded Manchuria and Puyi was captured by the Red Soviet Army and was tried as a war criminal in the USSR. In 1950, Puyi was sent to a prison camp in China for nine years where he was re-educated and became a supporter of the communist party. When he was released, he worked as a gardener. Throughout the course of his life, he moved from emperor to common citizen.
Wax figure of Puyi
Puyi and Li Shuxian, his wife in later life
Of course, there is a lot more to Puyi's story. If you are interested, check out the movie "The Last Emperor." It is definitely worth watching.
Included in admission to Puyi's Palace is a museum documenting the years that Japan ruled Manchuria. I didn't take photos. The museum is dark, depressing, and graphic at times. The Japanese tortured, tested weapons, and did biological experiments on the Chinese people. The sign at the entrance says "Never Forget" in many languages. Some things are impossible to forget, but please ask that the Chinese people are able to forgive.
You may remember that in August of 2010, Chip and I toured the Forbidden City in Beijing. See link. This was Puyi's home during his short reign and where he was allowed to continuing living after he abdicated his throne.
Puyi had a British tutor who taught him about the outside world--eye-opening knowledge for a boy who had never been outside the walls of the Forbidden City. Through his tutor's connections he applied to study abroad in England, but was denied because the British government did not want to offend China. As China's political instability grew, Puyi knew he needed to get out so he talked to one of his advisers who had strong connections to Japan. And that is what brought him to Changchun, where we live today!
Me and my friend, Jeanna, outside the gates to Puyi's Palace
Japan planned to take control of China in its weak state starting with the Northeast known as Manchuria (Heilongjiang, Liaoning, and Jilin provinces--Changchun is in Jilin province) where the Qing people, Puyi's ancestors, originated. The Japanese placed Puyi on the throne as leader, and later Emperor, of Manchuria. This was not exactly what Puyi dreamed of, but it was one step closer to becoming Emperor of China again someday.
Puyi's home in Changchun
The bedrooms of his wife, Wan Rong, and his favorite concubine, Tan Yuling.
It quickly became clear to Puyi that he would only be a puppet emperor. He had no real power--he simply followed the orders of the Japanese.
Touring the lovely grounds
Japan ruled Manchuria for 14 years (1931-1945). At the end of WWII, Soviet forces invaded Manchuria and Puyi was captured by the Red Soviet Army and was tried as a war criminal in the USSR. In 1950, Puyi was sent to a prison camp in China for nine years where he was re-educated and became a supporter of the communist party. When he was released, he worked as a gardener. Throughout the course of his life, he moved from emperor to common citizen.
Wax figure of Puyi
Puyi and Li Shuxian, his wife in later life
Of course, there is a lot more to Puyi's story. If you are interested, check out the movie "The Last Emperor." It is definitely worth watching.
Included in admission to Puyi's Palace is a museum documenting the years that Japan ruled Manchuria. I didn't take photos. The museum is dark, depressing, and graphic at times. The Japanese tortured, tested weapons, and did biological experiments on the Chinese people. The sign at the entrance says "Never Forget" in many languages. Some things are impossible to forget, but please ask that the Chinese people are able to forgive.
wow, what a fascinating story. i wonder how he felt about his life at the end of it. how do the Chinese people see him now, do you know?
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