The Dowager and the Dynasty: A Walk and Discussion at The Summer Palace
The Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) is one of the most notorious figures in Modern Chinese history. For nearly a half-century, she used her cunning and connections to rule China from behind the throne. Even today, many historians in China blame her for spending too much money building an elaborate pleasure garden at a time when the empire faced grave threats from without and within.
But the real story of the Empress Dowager Cixi -- and the Summer Palace she built -- is more complicated.
As we stroll along the beautiful lakeshores and garden hillsides of her magnificent creation, we will discuss the life and legacy of this fascinating historical figure. We'll consider the reasons behind her scandalous reputation and look at the final years of the Qing Dynasty, the last empire to rule China.
Duration: Three hours
Upcoming Public Walks at the Summer Palace
300 RMB per person (260 RMB for members of The Hutong)
Price includes all guide fees and tickets
Consider a Private Tour!
Looking for a walk that fits your schedule? Would you be interested in a personal experience for yourself or your group? Private walks of the Summer Palace are available for individuals, families, schools, and company groups. A private walk costs 1900 RMB total for up to five people and 200 RMB for each additional person, including all admission costs, guide fees, and tips.
What others have said...
“Jeremiah did a fantastic job, noting that the Manchu rulers of the Qing dynasty built the Palace as a place where they could feel more at home than in the Forbidden City. He focused much of his tour discussing the controversial Empress Dowager Cixi, who ruled from behind the throne from 1860 until her death in 1908. He brought us to parts of the Palace we hadn’t seen before and did so with a sense of humor and authority that made three hours of history fly by.”
Your Walk Leader
Jeremiah Jenne is a writer and historian based in Beijing since 2002. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, and taught Late Imperial and Modern Chinese History for over 15 years. His essays and articles on China have appeared in The Economist, South China Morning Post, The Journal of Asian Studies, Los Angeles Review of Books, and The World of Chinese. His writings can also be found in China in 2008: A Year of Great Significance, The Insider's Guide to Beijing, and the 2015 collection While We're Here: China Stories from a Writer's Colony. Jeremiah is frequently asked to speak and lead workshops on history, culture, and cultural adaptation for students, embassies, companies, and community groups. Along with David Moser, Jeremiah also hosts the podcast Barbarians at the Gate. You can follow him on Twitter @jeremiahjenne or online at jeremiahjenne.com.