Map of the Detached Imperial Residence on the West Lake

Qing dynasty (1644�1911), Qianlong period (1736�1795), undated, ca. 1770

Album of 80 leaves, each leaf: approx. 13.6�13.7 x 6.5 cm, with alternating sections of paintings and texts mounted as a handscroll; painting sections in ink and color on silk, text sections in ink on paper; overall dimensions: 13.6�13.7 x 520 cm

No inventory number

West Lake has long been celebrated as one of the most beautiful places in China, a sight to behold in any season.� Situated just outside the western walls of Hangzhou and to the north of the Qiantang River in Zhejiang Province, the lake and its environs have been immortalized in countless essays and poems.� In addition to the nei xinggong (a detached palace situated within the walls of Hangzhou) wai xinggong (a suburban imperial residence) had been built for the Kangxi emperor (r. 1661�1722) on Solitary Hill, a small island near the midsection of the lake's northwestern edge.� This attractive location was considered the finest for capturing views of the lake and its environs, including the ten most scenic sights or vantage points.� The Qianlong emperor (r. 1736�95) visited Hangzhou six times on his Southern Inspection Tours and would always take the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery and historic sites at West Lake.

This map, originally a compact accordion-style album of 80 leaves that was remounted as a handscroll, was made for the Qianlong emperor and his entourage during their stays at West Lake.� It includes five sightseeing itineraries from the detached imperial residence rendered in alternating pictorial and textual sections, with the illustrations coming first in each case.