Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This article describes the Qianlong Emperor’s cultural legacy. He compiled the massive Siku Quanshu led by scholar Ji Xiaolan, but also launched severe literary inquisition and censorship. Many anti‑Qing books were destroyed, and scholars were punished for trivial wording. It shows both his effort to preserve culture and his strict ideological control.
Journey to the West (Xiyouji), one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels, was published anonymously in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty. While Wu Cheng’en is traditionally credited as its author, the work’s true authorship remains debated and shrouded in mystery.