Step into Ancient Royalty: Deshou Palace Brings Southern Song Dynasty to Life in Hangzhou
Ever wondered what it feels like to walk in the footsteps of ancient emperors? 🏯 In the heart of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, the Deshou Palace Ruins Museum is giving visitors that exact opportunity! Since its grand opening in November 2022, this restored royal palace has become the hottest spot for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.
Back in the day, Hangzhou was known as Lin'an, the bustling capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Deshou Palace, aptly named the Palace of Morals and Longevity, was the retirement home of emperors Gaozong and Xiaozong after they abdicated in 1162 and 1189. Talk about royal retreats!
Though the palace was tragically destroyed by fire in 1206 and vanished into obscurity, fate had a twist in store. Archaeologists unearthed the site in 1984, unearthing over 8,000 cultural treasures! From exquisite porcelain and captivating calligraphy to structural marvels like foundations and ancient drainage systems, the findings are nothing short of a time capsule.
Fast forward to today, and the Deshou Palace stands proud once more, meticulously restored to mirror the original layout of the Southern Song imperial city. 🐉 The museum's exhibitions don't just showcase imperial life; they weave stories of emperors and everyday folks, painting a vivid picture of life centuries ago.
The crown jewel? Chonghua Hall, the main building of the palace, reconstructed with painstaking attention to historical detail. Its remnants are the soul of the museum, resonating with echoes of the past.
But here's where it gets super cool! With cutting-edge digital technology, visitors embark on an immersive journey, virtually traveling back in time. 💫 Beside the ancient column bases, cornerstones, and wells, digital installations revive the grandeur of the original structures. It's like stepping into a history book, but way more interactive!
And even with daily visitor limits to protect these precious relics, the museum has welcomed over 600,000 solo travelers and more than 2,000 groups in just the past year. Clearly, this slice of history is a must-see!
So, if you're up for a historical adventure that blends the old and the new, Deshou Palace Ruins Museum should be on your bucket list. Ready to time-travel? 👣⏳
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
