inscribed by Feng Chaoran inscribed by Tao Zongxi inscribed by Qianlon with two seals ink and colour on silk, hanging scroll The Qianlong Emperor (1711–1799) was the fifth Emperor of the Qing dynasty, and the fourth Qing emperor to rule over China, reigned from 1735 to 1796.As a capable and cultured ruler inheriting a thriving empire, during his long reign the Qing Empire reached its most splendid and prosperous era, boasting a large population and economy.