The other main character is Liang Qichao, a leading Chinese intellectual in the twilight of the last imperial dynasty, the Qing, and the chaotic early years after it fell in 1911.

ECONOMIST: The intellectual roots of Asian anti-Westernism

The emperor resided in the Palace of Heavenly Purity until the mid-Qing dynasty when it became an audience hall in which ambassadors and other luminaries were received.

BBC: Beijing's once Forbidden City

Until the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911, this sprawling complex was the seat of Chinese government.

BBC: Beijing's once Forbidden City

When the Qing dynasty fell in 1911, former palace chefs set up restaurants around Beijing and brought the dish to the public.

BBC: Sampling Beijing��s imperial duck