In the afternoon, emperors might continue reading memorials or reports, or they might conduct some recreational activities including reading, painting, writing poems and so on.

The cultural life of the Qing imperial court was colorful and abundant, based on Manchu culture while adopting to Han culture. Most former emperors of Qing Dynasty achieved high literature cultivation and were good at painting, calligraphy, playing chess and writing poems. Among all leisure activities, the most popular one in Qing imperial court would be theatre performance. Kangxi emperor was fond of music, and he once studied rhythm and melodies, and was in charge of compiling books about musical theories. Qianlong emperor also was keen on theatre performance, besides watching opera troupes, he often asked folk theatrical troupes to come to the palace to have performances.