DK - China Through Time

7

The emperor is flanked by his army officers. Fearful of his short temper, they flatter him.

Empress Xiao sails in a smaller, phoenix-shaped barge, with her maids and court ladies.

A merchant has come from afar to trade with the emperor. Unfortunately, he’s feeling a little seasick.

The dragon is a symbol of the emperor’s strength and power.

A Palace on Water

Luoyang, 605 ce

The construction of the section of the Grand Canal between

Yangzhou and Luoyang is finally complete. A fanfare heralds the

arrival of an imperial flotilla, which has come to inspect the new

waterway. Emperor Yang of Sui commands the procession from the

top deck of the lavish, dragon-shaped barge, which glides through

the water like a floating palace. For the people of Luoyang, it is a

grand spectacle beyond their wildest imaginations.

Emperor

Yang of Sui

Nobles

Empress

Xiao

Court ladies

Phoenix boat

Princess

Nanyang

Dragon boat

The phoenix symbolizes the empress and brings good luck.

Viewing ship

Cooks

Crew

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