In the long history of China, Emperor Qianlong was a high-profile monarch.
However, what is less known is that there were three precious birthday gifts given by the British to the Qianlong Emperor.
Today, we're going to dig deeper into this buried history and think about what China would have been like if those gifts hadn't been discarded.
During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the British East India Company presented three precious gifts to the Emperor of China: a unique porcelain automatic clock, a fine astronomical book, and a sophisticated astronomical instrument.
These gifts not only represent the high level of British craftsmanship, but also reflect the friendly relationship between China and the UK.
The unique porcelain automatic clock was made in England for the Qianlong Emperor.
This clock not only shows the time accurately, but also plays music automatically and triggers wonderful scenery at the same time. This project, which combines mechanical, ceramic and ** technology, showcases the pinnacle of British craftsmen at the time.
In addition to this, the UK also gifted an astronomy book with detailed astronomical knowledge and beautiful illustrations.
This book not only confirms the deep background of British astronomy, but also shows the latest achievements of modern science at the time.
If Emperor Qianlong had been able to study Xi book carefully, China's scientific and technological progress might have entered a new era.
And the British gave the Qianlong Emperor not only an astronomy book, but also a sophisticated astronomical instrument.
This instrument can accurately calculate the position and motion of stars for astronomical phenomena. If the Qianlong Emperor could make full use of this instrument for in-depth observation and research, it would be of great benefit to the development of Chinese astronomy.
However, it is a pity that the Qianlong Emperor did not understand the preciousness of these gifts, and instead regarded them as insignificant garbage.
Since the emperor himself was not interested in astronomy, this wrong decision could have caused China to miss out on a great opportunity to become a first-class superpower.
The birthday gift given by Britain to Emperor Qianlong was not only a diplomatic tool, but also a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
This shows that the UK wants to build a solid ** and political partnership with China and lay the groundwork for future cooperation.
These gifts highlight the level of craftsmanship and innovation of Britain at the time.
The exquisite porcelain clocks and astronomical instruments represent the skill of British craftsmen and are an affirmation of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
This scientific and cultural exchange between China and the UK, through the gift of astronomical books and instruments, reflected the advanced ideas of Western science and culture.
Such exchanges will help promote China's research and academic development and lay the foundation for the introduction of foreign scientific knowledge and technology.
If Emperor Qianlong had understood the meaning of the British birthday gift and paid attention to it, China's development might have taken on a different face.
If the Emperor had actively studied Xi and used the astronomical books and instruments given by the British, he would have helped China make important breakthroughs in astronomy, promote the development of science and technology, and bring about great progress in the fields of engineering, manufacturing, and agriculture.
On the basis of this friendly relationship, China and the UK can develop closer political and professional cooperation.
This will promote exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in the military, diplomatic, cultural, and economic fields, and further enhance China's position on the world stage.
The astronomical books and instruments given by the British to the Qianlong Emperor helped China to promote the development of modern science, education and culture.
This could have far-reaching implications for the Chinese education system as a whole, making it more research-oriented and practice-oriented.
These three gifts not only bear witness to the friendly relations between China and the UK, but also make us reflect on that misunderstood history.
Although it cannot change the past, this story still reminds us to cherish and make good use of the generosity and cooperation opportunities of friendly countries to create greater opportunities for our own development.