Life in China, 1644–1911

Crop of Complete Map of the Everlasting Unity of the Great Qing between 1796 and 1820 with exhibition branding Celestial Empire life in China 1644 to 1911
Date 2 Jan 16 – 22 May 16
Time 10:00am – 05:00pm
Exhibition Gallery
Free
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Experience 300 years of Chinese culture and tradition from two of the world’s great libraries. From life at court to life in the villages and fields, glimpse the world of China’s last imperial dynasty and its wealth of cultural tradition.

See exquisite and precious objects from the National Library of China. Marvel at drawings and plans for Beijing’s iconic palaces from the Yangshi Lei Archives, listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2007 and never before seen in Australia. Beautiful maps, books and prints come alive in ornate detail. Discover our acclaimed Chinese Collection, including rare items from the London Missionary Society that offer a unique view of early western impressions of China.

An exclusive exhibition in partnership with the National Library of China.

Join the conversation #celestialempire on

Image: After Huang Qianren (1694-1771), Complete Map of the Everlasting Unity of the Great Qing between 1796 and 1820, ink on paper, National Library of China, Beijing

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The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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