6. The pursuit of happiness
Longevity Hill,Summer Palace, Beijing
The human desire for good fortune and longevity finds many reflections inChinese architecture.
Qing Dynasty(1644-1911) Emperor Qian Long built the Summer Palace in Beijing in honor of his mother's birthday. The Chinese words for "bat" and "good fortune" are homonyms, so the mountain at the Summer Palace is constructed in the shape of a bat. Peaches are a metaphor for longevity, so the lake is shaped like a peach. Together, the mountain and lake convey wishes for good fortune and longevity.
Auspicious decoration,Prince Gong's Residence, Beijing
The phrases "many seeds" and "many sons" are homonyms in Chinese. Pomegranates and gourds, both of which have many seeds, are therefore often used as decorations in Chinese architecture, reflecting the traditional Chinese desire for many sons. Bats, peaches, and pomegranates or gourds often appear together, graphically expressing the wish for "good fortune, longevity, and many sons." These images represent the fusion of Chinese culture and the pursuit of happiness.
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