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从清朝文物看宫廷消夏秘方

Nowadays, air conditioning and electric fans help people beat the summer heat. But in ancient times, without such appliances, how did people find relief? Some cultural items collected at the Palace Museum in Beijing can help us figure out how Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) royal families, who lived inside the Forbidden City, spent their summer days.

现代人用空调、电扇等消暑，但古时候没有这些，人们又是如何抵挡暑热的呢?这期乐学我们就借北京故宫博物院里的若干文物，讲一讲清朝时紫禁城里的消夏良方。

从清朝文物看宫廷消夏秘方

【清宫消夏之"吃"】

Summer food and drinks in the royal court were mainly various kinds of melons and fruits, as well as tribute tea from around the country. When the emperors met officials, read books or memorials, they drank green tea, scented tea or milk tea. These drinks are refreshing and offer respite from the summer heat.

皇家在夏季的主要食物和饮品是各色瓜果，以及各地进奉的上等好茶。皇帝接见群臣或理政读书时，或饮绿茶、或饮花茶、或饮奶子茶，既提神，又解暑。

Iceboxes made of wood were widely used in the Qing royal court. Due to the weak conductivity of heat, lead or tin was put inside the box to extend the hours for preserving the natural ice. Many historical materials record emperors, empresses and imperial concubines using such a box to keep food like melons and fruits cool on hot summer days.