born Sept. 25, 1711, China died Feb. 7, 1799, Beijing
reign name (nianhao) of the fourth emperor of the Qing (Manchu) dynasty (1644–1911/12), whose six-decade reign (1735–96) was one of the longest in Chinese history. He conducted a series of military campaigns that eliminated the Turk and Mongol threats to northeastern China (1755–60), enlarged his empire by creating the New Province (the present-day Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang), and reinforced Chinese authority in the south and east.
On Oct. 7, 1735, on the eve of the death of Hongli’s father, the Yongzheng emperor (reigned 1722–35), Hongli was declared the heir apparent. In fact, in keeping with the wish of his grandfather, the Kangxi emperor (reigned 1661–1722), Hongli had been secretly designated Yongzheng’s successor shortly after the latter had ascended the throne despite the fact that Hongli was the fourth-born son (he was, however, the eldest surviving son when he was actually named heir apparent). Kangxi had noticed the outstanding qualities of his grandson and had decided to do his best to prepare him for his future task. Hongli was given a carefully planned education, including the teachings of the eminent scholar Fumin. He then was initiated into affairs of state and, in 1733, was made a prince of the first degree. He ascended the throne on Oct. 18, 1735, at the age of 24 (25 according to the Chinese system), and was to rule under the regnal title of Qianlong for more than 60 years.
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