Pacifying the South China Sea : Part 1

This painting by an anonymous Qing painter commemorates the defeat of the pirates who infested the waters around Guangdong in the early Jiaqing period (1796-1820). In 1809, Emperor Jiaqing made Bailing Governor-General of Liang-Guang with special anti-pirate responsibilities. Bailing built powerful warships, trained naval officers, banned local people from contacts with pirates, and organized village militias. Shortly after a major battle fought just off Lantau, the pirate's leader, Zhengyi Sao, accepted the offer of an amnesty, Her right-hand man, Zhangbao, became a naval officer and campaigned against the few pirates that were left. By about 1812, the sea lanes were peaceful again and Bailing was honoured by the emperor. The tiny cave where Zhangbao is said to have hidden himself (or perhaps his treasure) can still be visited on Hong Kong's Cheung Chau Island.

Scenes include 'Coastal Defence forces map out their strategy', 'Accepting surrender in Pinghai', 'Besieging the pirates in Lantau'.