🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Emperor Qianlong ruled for 60 years and lived to 89, one of China’s longest-living emperors. It is said that in his later years, he remained physically robust, never needed glasses, and even hunted outdoors two years before his death. Just before passing away, he could still write and read. While his innate constitution played a major role, his excellent health preservation practices were equally vital to his longevity. Today, let us explore—
Bending Bows, Practicing Martial Arts, and Traveling Far and Wide
Emperor Qianlong’s health and longevity were closely linked to his love for archery and martial arts. Moderate exercise promotes smooth circulation of qi and blood, accelerates blood flow, harmonizes internal organs, strengthens tendons and bones, and enhances physical constitution. It is said that after receiving military officers in summer, Emperor Qianlong often competed in archery with them. Similarly, during autumn hunting trips, he did so too. As a recreational activity, archery brought him mental relaxation, refreshed his spirit, and helped regulate his mindset.
Besides archery, Emperor Qianlong enjoyed hunting. Walking in nature, breathing fresh air, significantly increased oxygen intake. Meanwhile, the beautiful natural scenery and fragrant birdsong uplifted his mood, broadened his horizons, and greatly benefited both body and mind.
Throughout his life, Emperor Qianlong toured Jiangnan six times, visited Wutaishan five times, and traveled east to Mount Tai three times. Each journey lasted several months. During these relaxed tours, he not only enjoyed the beauty of nature but also broadened his perspective, strengthened his will, and enhanced his physical strength—benefiting his health immensely.
During his reign, Emperor Qianlong maintained a habit of rising early. As recorded in historical texts: “The emperor always rose at dawn; in summer, daylight arrived early, while in winter, he rose just before dawn.” This regular routine significantly contributed to his physical well-being.
Poetry, Painting, Tea, and Singing
Emperor Qianlong loved writing poetry and composed several poems every day. He often sent his poems to officials with literary talent for review. When encountering allusions, he asked officials to explain them. If officials couldn’t answer immediately, they could take the poems home to study further. Those who still couldn’t find answers were never reprimanded. This shows his deep expertise in poetry. Writing poetry exercised his mind and expressed emotions. Modern research indicates the brain has strong plasticity. Continuously feeding information to the brain allows neurons to develop continuously, enhancing brain function and delaying cognitive aging. In his leisure time, Emperor Qianlong enjoyed calligraphy and painting to refine his character. These activities cultivated his temperament and provided excellent psychological regulation. Furthermore, the process of writing and painting requires coordinated use of finger, wrist, and arm strength, demanding full concentration of thought and intention. Thus, not only did it nurture his spirit, but also strengthened his physical body.
Tea drinking was also one of Emperor Qianlong’s favorite pastimes. Research shows tea reduces blood lipids, clears heat, refreshes the mind, and relieves fatigue. He often enjoyed tea with literati officials, appreciating performances and composing verses together—truly enjoying himself! Additionally, he had a keen interest in music and could play instruments. On the festival of Kitchen God, he often beat drums and sang “The Song of Seeking Talents.” Singing allowed him to express emotions and cultivate his sentiments, greatly benefiting his health.
Consuming Herbal Tonics for Longevity
Emperor Qianlong regularly took more than six kinds of tonics for longevity. Among them, Gui Ling Ji and Song Ling Taiping Chun Wine were the most important. Gui Ling Ji takes its name from “turtle longevity,” symbolizing the long life of tortoise and crane. Emperor Qianlong cared deeply about Gui Ling Ji, often asking the chief steward: “How much Gui Ling Ji remains in the pharmacy?” He personally supervised every detail of its preparation. As for Song Ling Taiping Chun Wine, it was a favorite tonic wine, believed to invigorate qi, strengthen the spleen, nourish blood, and activate circulation.
Emperor Qianlong summarized his longevity secrets in sixteen characters: “Exhale and inhale the lungs, move the limbs, ten constants and four abstentions, timely supplementation.” “Ten constants and four abstentions” refer to: “knock teeth, swallow saliva, tap ears, rub nose, roll eyes, rub face, massage feet, press abdomen, stretch limbs, lift anus; don’t talk while eating, don’t speak while lying down, don’t drink to intoxication, don’t be obsessed with sex.” With rational health preservation practices consistently followed, Emperor Qianlong remained robust in old age. No wonder British envoy Macartney wrote in his diary: “Looking at his bearing, though aged 83, he appeared like a man in his sixties—vigorous and energetic, surpassing youth.”