The Deshou Palace Museum of the Southern Song Dynasty Photo: Chen Zhongqiu
By Zhao Ye
After about two years, the Deshou Palace of the Southern Song Dynasty is reconstructed and opened to the public on Nov 22.
Aiming at preserving and showcasing the remains of the Deshou Palace, which is located in Shangcheng district in urban Hangzhou, the museum takes up about 21,000 square meters. It includes a "conservation tent" where archeological findings are displayed, an indoor exhibit of the Palace ruins, and a full-size replica of the wooden palace as its look 800 years ago.
The Deshou Palace, which literally means a palace of morality and longevity, was once the residence of Qin Hui, a notorious prime minister in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It was then taken over by Emperor Gaozong, the founder of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) as his retreat palace after he retired from the throne. Emperor Xiaozong, his son and successor, also lived here after retirement.
The opening of the palace also marked that the Song Yun Cultural Festival was launched. The festival is featured with multiple cultural events, forums and activities themed with the Song Dynasty and its contemporary relevance.
A top-tier art of garden design
Before the official opening of the Deshou Palace Museum, its red walls had become a photogenic spot for visitors of all ages.
The rebuilt buildings inherit the essence of the Deshou Palace, namely, elegance and extravagance. "The Southern Song Dynasty is considered the pinnacle of the ancient Chinese art with exceptional aesthetics. The palace was a reflection of the top-tier art of garden design," said Wang Zhengyu, vice director of the Hangzhou Institute of Cultural Relics & Archaeology.
In fact, the unique aesthetic concept can be traced back to people's talents in calligraphy. Among the emperors of the past dynasties, Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty (personal name Zhao Ji) is known as a calligraphy master and the creator of the Shoujin font. Emperor Gaozong, or Zhao Gou, a son of Huizong, is also a top class calligrapher.
Interesting facts about
the Museum and Song Dynasty
It is never an easy job to rebuild a palace on its original site. Archaeologists have dug the remaining relics and foundations four times. However, the wet climate and complicated geological hydrology in Hangzhou were challenges for the experts who had to refill the excavation sites instead of leaving them exposed.
To solve the dilemma, the experts used protective facilities and high-tech ventilation systems inside the palace. Moreover, the venue is equipped with wonderful water storage, pile-spanning waterproof curtains, and protective covers as a platform to display soil layers and excavation sites.
The application of advanced technologies is more appealing, say, three-dimensional interactive devices, digital lighting system, and augmented reality, to name a few. Thanks to these devices, we are able to present the centuries-old palace as if real.
You might be surprised that take-out food delivery was available in the Southern Song Dynasty. Emperor Gaozong, for instance, was a big fan of take-out services.
Standing between the plank road and the ditch pond in the yard might remind you that the retired Emperor and his son had the year-old plum wine taken to the Octagonal Pavilion and drank.
To go with the wine, the ancient Emperors reminisced about the delicacies in Bianjing (the lost capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, their forefathers' place). They became cheered up learning that quite many gourmet shops had also come to the south. They then sent some eunuchs to have the gourmets delivered to the palace.
Stories behind the bricks and tiles
Almost every brick and tile has a story behind it, manifesting the significance of the restoration of the Deshou Palace. It is a place to demonstrate the elegance of the Southern Song Dynasty and the essence of Song Yun, or Charm of the Song culture for which has been longed.
"Hangzhou, as the capital of the Southern Song dynasty, has been short of a representative and impressive Song Yun cultural space," Huang Zi, an expert and researcher of the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Ancient Architecture Design and Research, commented on the importance of the Deshou Palace Museum. "It was not only a residential place for Emperors Gaozong, Xiaozong and their empress dowagers, but also a material carrier of the cultural and political life in the Southern Song Dynasty."
The Southern Song Dynasty lasted for a century and a half amid constant alterations of wars and peace. Ultimately, it reached the peak of the Chinese civilization despite of the retreats and defense. Whether in terms of politics, ideology, culture, social norm or lifestyle, the Song Dynasty has been greatly influential on the Chinese culture in history. After 800 years, the brilliance of the Song Dynasty is still seen in our lives.
Tips of visiting the museum
1. Opening hours:
9:30-17:00 (closed on Mondays)
2. Traffic:
Location: Northwest corner of the Wangjiang Road and Zhonghe Road cross, Shangcheng district
Busses: Busses 34, 71, 127, 315, and WE1314 can bring you there. The stop name is Huxueyan's Former Residence.
Metro: You'll get there by Hangzhou Metro Line 5 or 7, getting off at Jiangcheng Road Station, and coming out from Exit D.
3. Admissions:
Follow the official WeChat platform "Deshou Palace Museum of the Southern Song Dynasty", click "Visits" and access to the "Reservation" page.
Please book a time in advance with your ID card, passport or foreigner's permanent residence card, present your ID at the museum entrance. A negative nucleic acid test result within 72 hours is required. Please wear a mask and watch the exhibition in an orderly manner.