Time-Traveling Imperial Banquet: A New Media Art Exhibition Featuring Emperor Qianlong

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

 
A grand art spectacle spanning five millennia and traversing a hundred thousand miles across East and West, where time and space intertwine and reality blurs—follow the "Perfect Elder" and ever-versatile Emperor Qianlong through the imperial court, unveiling a series of fantastical and delightful artistic feasts. Within the colossal Treasure Maze, hidden imperial treasures and playful curiosities await; trigger mechanisms to unveil their mysterious allure. The Jadeite Cabbage, Meat-Shaped Stone, and Golden Cup of Eternal Stability are no longer just distant viewing pieces—you can collect them in your own treasure cabinet and secretly take home treasures from Emperor Qianlong’s toy box. Through novel and engaging display methods, explore the artistic tastes of Qianlong’s life, immerse yourself in dazzling sensory interactions, savor exquisite Qing imperial snacks, and experience a stunning 3D projection bringing Emperor Qianlong back to life in a dance and music spectacular.

Six Major New Media Art Themed Zones

    Imperial Invitation – [Time-Traveling Imperial Banquet] centers around the “Grand Celebration of Longevity,” presenting the joyous and festive atmosphere of a prosperous era. Through novel and engaging display techniques, the exhibition is structured around six major themes: Imaginative Journey, Universal Jubilation, Artistic Play, Treasures Reimagined, Song and Dance Splendor, and Imperial Banquet Invitation.
 
 
ü   Highlights of the Exhibition
One、          First official authorization by the National Palace Museum Taipei – 8 classic cultural relics from the Qianlong era reproduced as high-fidelity replicas
Presented as multimedia digital simulacra/replicas, these 8 national treasures are:
1.      Jadeite Cabbage
2.      Meat-Shaped Stone
3.      Qianlong-Era Golden Cup of Eternal Stability
4.      Famille-Rose Enamel Bottle with Fish Swimming in Spring Waters on a Blue Ground
5.      Famille-Rose Hundred Deer Vase
6.      Agarwood Carving “Nine Elders of Shoushan”
7.      Famille-Rose Openwork Floral and Bird Double-Gourd Vase
8.      Hidden Treasure
 
ü   No need to travel all the way to the National Palace Museum—view multiple Qianlong-era national treasure-level artifacts in one go.
A.         This exhibition selects the most iconic artifacts, such as the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone, to enhance visitors’ sense of achievement.
B.         The selected artifacts are primarily related to birthday banquets, festivals, celebrations, and auspicious occasions from Emperor Qianlong’s reign during the Qing Dynasty, aligning with the theme of this exhibition.
ü   Combining digital fun – you can collect your favorite artifacts to take home
A.         Throughout the exhibition walkways, interactive mechanisms or treasure chests (miniature magic theaters, micro projectors, mini displays, etc.) are placed, hiding virtual artifacts waiting to be discovered. The Jadeite Cabbage, Meat-Shaped Stone, and Golden Cup of Eternal Stability are no longer just distant viewing pieces—you can collect them in your own treasure cabinet and secretly take home treasures from Emperor Qianlong’s toy box.
B.         The 8 artifacts are presented using various display methods, including physical models (simulated reproductions), projections, lenticular prints, autostereoscopic TVs, floating images, animations, display cases, transparent screens, turntables, and mirror reflections, all enhanced by multimedia techniques.

Inside the [Time-Traveling Imperial Banquet] exhibition venue, Mapping projection technology, multi-faceted theatrical space projections, object-aligned projections, motion sensors (Kinect), and AR (augmented virtual reality) interactions are used. Through fantastical projection techniques, audiences are taken on an exciting “Qianlong Talks About Qianlong” journey, where the emperor comes vividly to life before your eyes.

Through time-travel projection sequences and smart device interactions, experience the wonder of traveling through time. A 3D projection recreates Emperor Qianlong’s time-traveling spectacular, featuring not only the Grand Celebration of Longevity, nationwide jubilation, lantern decorations, and magnificent palaces, but also the essential theatrical performances held throughout the capital to celebrate important festivals—grand and lively events. Join in the song and dance to celebrate the “Ninety-Nine Grand Jubilee,” an astounding and mesmerizing display of the prosperity and glory of a golden age.

 

Digital technology revives the splendor of Qianlong-era treasures. Within the colossal Treasure Maze, hidden imperial treasures and playful curiosities await; trigger mechanisms to unveil their mysterious allure. With the concept of a “Treasure Maze,” the exhibition layout was designed by “Zhu Mo Image Design,” turning the entire venue into a playful space filled with treasures. Broadly speaking, the Forbidden City during Qianlong’s reign was a palace housing countless treasures, and Qianlong once commissioned the creation of the Western-style and Chinese-style Huanghua Array Maze in the Old Summer Palace. Now, a realistic maze is recreated in the exhibition space for endless fun. Beyond the thrill of searching for and discovering treasures, combine your access pass to collect them in your personal treasure cabinet, adding even more enjoyment to your visit.