The eighth day of the first lunar month in the 30th year of the Qianlong reign (1765) may seem like an unremarkable date in history. Yet, through meticulous examination of historical archives, historians have reconstructed an hour-by-hour account of the Qianlong Emperor’s daily routine from dawn to midnight. In doing so, they reveal the distinctive features of the political and cultural life of the Qianlong era—and of the Qing dynasty as a whole. Drawing on imperial edicts, palace archives, the emperor’s own poetry and writings, memorials to the throne, and other Qing Dynasty documents, the author approaches Qianlong’s life from both historical and social perspectives. The emperor’s day is broken down into dimensions such as morning rituals, daily routines within the Forbidden City, reading of imperial edicts, exchanging poets, reviewing memorials, receiving officials, appraising antiques, palace life, and celestial rites. This book paints a vivid portrait of a 55-year-old emperor at the height of his power, embodying multiple roles as a living and breathing ruler. It reviews multiple facets of the political and cultural life in the Qing Dynasty. Printed in full color, the book carefully selects paintings, calligraphy, artifacts, archival photographs of the Forbidden City, and modern photography related to the Qianlong Emperor. The interplay of image and text offers a richly textured view of his daily life.