A Rare Feat in Imperial History

Among the roughly 260 emperors in China’s feudal history, few lived to an advanced age. Emperor Wu of Han (156–87 BCE) reached 70; Emperor Wu of Liang (464–549 CE) lived to 86; Tang Emperor Xuanzong (685–762) died at 78; and Wu Zetian (624–705), China’s only female emperor, lived 81 years. Yet none surpassed the longevity of the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong Emperor (1711–1799), who died at 89—making him the longest-reigning and longest-lived monarch in Chinese imperial history.

What were the secrets behind Qianlong’s extraordinary lifespan? Historical records reveal a blend of disciplined habits, cultural pursuits, and genetic fortune.

The Foundations of Longevity: Qianlong’s Health Regimen

### Mindful Breathing and Physical Activity

Qianlong practiced tuna (吐纳), a form of controlled breathing, at dawn each day. Inhaling fresh air and exhaling impurities, he believed this ritual purified both body and mind. His active lifestyle further bolstered his health: six inspection tours of southern China, pilgrimages to Confucian temples, ascents of Mount Tai, and annual hunting expeditions at Mulan Hunting Grounds kept him physically robust.

### The “Ten Constants” and “Four Avoidances”

His personal wellness philosophy included:
– Ten Constants: Daily exercises like teeth tapping, swallowing saliva, massaging ears/nose/face, rotating the abdomen, and stretching limbs.
– Four Avoidances: Moderation in speech (no talking while eating or lying down), alcohol (never drinking to excess), and romantic indulgence.

### Seasonal Nutrition and Herbal Wisdom

Qianlong’s diet balanced luxury and simplicity. He began meals with bird’s nest soup and favored venison for its vitality-boosting properties. Yet he also ate peasant fare like pickled cucumbers and millet, embracing the concept of “supplementing refinement with roughness.” Seasonal adjustments—eating elm-leaf cakes in spring or chrysanthemum cakes in autumn—aligned his diet with nature’s rhythms.

The Cultivation of Mind and Spirit

### Calligraphy, Poetry, and Art

With over 40,000 poems attributed to him, Qianlong used artistic expression as mental respite. Painting and calligraphy provided meditative relief from state affairs, fostering emotional equilibrium.

### Buddhism as a Pillar of Serenity

Though not fanatical, Qianlong deeply respected Buddhism. He commissioned temples, participated in rituals, and even posed as the Bodhisattva Manjushri in a surviving thangka painting. His tomb’s walls, carved with 35 Buddha statues and 30,111 scriptural characters, reflect this spiritual anchor. By reciting mantras without obsession, he cultivated inner peace.

The Genetic Advantage

While his father, the Yongzheng Emperor, died of a stroke at 58, Qianlong inherited longevity genes from his mother, Empress Xiaoshengxian (1693–1777), who lived to 86. Kangxi Emperor once praised her as “a woman of great fortune,” and her robust health clearly influenced her son.

Legacy: The “Septuagenarian Sovereign”

In 1780, Minister Peng Yuanrui celebrated Qianlong’s 70th birthday by quoting Du Fu: “Seventy years is rare among mortals.” Flattered, Qianlong adopted the title “Old Man of the Seven Decades” (古稀天子), engraving it on imperial seals. His reign witnessed seven generations of family harmony—a testament to his vitality.

### Modern Lessons from an Emperor’s Routine

Qianlong’s holistic approach—physical discipline, artistic engagement, spiritual balance, and genetic luck—offers timeless insights. In an era without modern medicine, his habits underscore the enduring value of moderation, mindfulness, and an active lifestyle.

From palace corridors to wellness blogs today, the secrets of history’s longest-lived emperor continue to resonate.