Hall of Dispelling Clouds
Originally built in 1750, Hall of Dispelling Clouds is located on the Longevity Hill as well as on the central axis of the Summer Palace. In 1890, the hall was rebuilt for the birthday celebration of Empress Dowager Cixi. It was here that Cixi celebrated her birthday and received birthday gifts from officials and foreign envoys.
Outside the hall, bronze dragon, phoenix and crocks were set, grand and aristocratic and symbolizing the supreme power of the Qing dynasty. Inside a Nine-dragon Chair was set in the middle. Sitting on this chair, Cixi received the greetings and gifts on her birthday. A folding screen, a p
ortrait painting of Cixi and other gifts are exhibited in this hall.
To the south of this hall is the Gate of Dispelling Clouds. Twelve Taihu rocks depicting the twelve Chinese zodiac animals and a pair of bronze lions are in front of the gate. The lions are auspicious animals and in Chinese culture are believed to ward off evil spirits. The twelve rocks are shaped like the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and the pig.
The Empress Dowager Cixi celebrated her sixtieth and seventieth birthdays in the Hall of Dispelling Clouds. On those days, all important civil and military officials, according to respective rank, would stand either inside or outside the gate and kowtow to her.