How did Cixi like photography and why did she like Paris perfume?

Cixi fell in love with photography after seeing her first photo at that time. She likes Paris perfume because she liked Paris fashion very much at that time, so she gradually came into contact with and fell in love with Paris perfume. 1885, Prince Alcohol, the father of Emperor Guangxu, presented photos of him inviting Germans to take pictures of him to Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi. Empress Dowager Cixi also wanted to try to take a picture of herself after seeing it. She fell in love with photography after seeing her photo for the first time. In order to take pictures, she also set up a studio in front of Leshou Hall in the Summer Palace.

Before taking pictures, Cixi specially chose a good day. When shooting, she will take several photos in succession so that the most beautiful one can be selected after development. Empress Dowager Cixi left many photos and portraits of her life. Before her 70th birthday, she specially hung these photos in the palace as a collection and prizes for ministers. These photos have now become the most valuable historical archives. Besides photography, Empress Dowager Cixi also likes listening to others play the piano very much. In the Summer Palace, there is a piano given by foreigners. Since 1903, the daughter of Yu Geng, the ambassador of the Qing government to France, has been in the palace with Cixi for two years. During this period, she used this piano to play various foreign famous songs for Cixi more than once.

There was also a huge phonograph in the bedroom of Empress Dowager Cixi, which was also a gift from foreigners at that time. The interior of the phonograph is driven by a clockwork device. When it is completely wound, it will give off a pleasant melody. The gramophone also kept the famous dance music at that time, such as the waltz for Empress Dowager Cixi.

Empress Dowager Cixi also likes Paris fashion and French high heels very much. She even asked Deling around her to wear Paris women's clothes and high heels every day, so that she could see French fashion clothes every day. Through contact with Paris fashion, Cixi also liked many fashionable things such as Paris perfume.