Subject: hiya / qinjun ying imperial guard
Culture: Sino-Manchurian
Setting: Qing empire, China 18th-19thc
Event Photos
"The life of the imperial guards is not as glamorous as imagined. Although they are the emperor's guards, their training and life are very hard. Daily training includes martial arts, etiquette, horsemanship, and even the use of various weapons. These guards must not only have strong physical fitness, but also have extremely high psychological quality to cope with dangers that may occur at any time.
"In the palace, their lives were relatively closed off. Apart from carrying out their duties, they rarely had the opportunity to contact the outside world. Although they were at the center of power, their personal lives were often strictly restricted. They could not make friends or leave the palace at will. This oppressive living environment made many guards feel helpless and depressed."
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Field Notes
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