In 2013, the National Palace Museum (NPM) hosted The All Complete Qianlong: a Special Exhibition on the Aesthetic Tastes of the Qing Emperor Gaozong. It was during this time that the NPM began planning the Lord Jiaqing and the Journey to Taiwan Special Exhibition, which was scheduled to be held as one of the opening exhibitions for the opening of the NPM Southern Branch. "Lord Jiaqing and the Journey to Taiwan" is a popular legend that is deep-rooted and widespread in Chinese society. Little is known about the origin of the legend; however, written records can be traced as far back as the Taiwan Daily New Newspaper. Subsequent interviews, in scattered numbers, can also be found. By 1947, the legend has evolved into novels in chapters, growing ever popular and influential.
"Lord Jiaqing and the Journey to Taiwan" is an intriguing historical event. Legend has it that when Jiaqing was still a prince, he visited taizi buildings in the old Chiayi area (the buildings no longer exist today). Lord Jiaqing's trip to Chiayi was the reason why the NPM decided to host the Lord Jiaqing and the Journey to Taiwan Special Exhibition in the NPM Southern Branch as the latter is also located in Chiayi. The goal is to build a connection between the legend and the special exhibition.
The Lord Jiaqing and the Journey to Taiwan Special Exhibition is themed on the emperor's legendary trip to Taiwan and details how he ruled his country through Confucian philosophies, lived a frugal life, worked diligently to govern his state, punished corrupt officials, cared for the sufferings of his people, dedicated himself to resolving current social problems, and promoted the cultural enterprise established during the Qianlong era. By substantiating the legend with historical facts, readers can learn new things about the emperor.
The "Catalogue for the Lord Jiaqing and the Journey to Taiwan Special Exhibition" is divided into five chapters comprising "The Jiaqing Emperor and Taiwan," "Jiaqing the Person," "Art and Collecting at the Court," "The Cultural Enterprise," and "Maintaining the Peace." In addition, it contains monographs written by Chen Jie-xian, Lai Yu-ling, Zheng Yong-chang, Qiu Shi-hua, and Hou Yi-li after in-depth research, in which the origin of the legend, Lord Jiaqing's political ideologies, achievements made in court art during his reign, his life, and his close relationship with Taiwan are explained in detail.
The political and art culture achievements of the Jiaqing Emperor have been overlooked because of the changing time in history. By holding the above Special Exhibition and providing the aforementioned monographs, related history can be analyzed to reveal facts behind the legend, teaching readers about the emperor and allowing them to gain insight into his accomplishments.