Shifang
(Marble Boat)
The Marble Boat, Shifang in Chinese, was first built in 1755 during the
reign of Emperor Qianlong. It is 36 meters long with two decks. There
used to be a Chinese styly wooden superstructure on the top part of the
boat but it was destroyed by the invading troops in 1860. Empress Dowager
Cixi had it restored in 1893, adding two wheels, one on each side of the
boat, and a European-style superstructure, which was made of wood but
painted to look like marble. There is a big mirror on each deck. Empress
Dowager Cixi often enjoyed the beautiful scenery while she had her breakfast
and dinner in front of the mirror.
The
marble Boat was supposed to be a symbol of stability
of the Qing Dynasty, an idea derived from the saying "water
can carry a boat, and it can also capsize a boat."
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