Hall of Longevity and Health

Hall of Longevity and Health

The Hall of Longevity and Health in Beijing’s Summer Palace was Empress Dowager Cixi’s residence. Originally built during the 15th year of the Qianlong reign (1750) as part of the Qingyi Garden, it also served as the main residential building in the living quarters of the Summer Palace. It was initially constructed when Emperor Qianlong decided to celebrate his mother, Empress Xiaoshengxian’s 60th birthday—in the 14th year of his reign, he began renovating the original Wanshan Hill and West Lake. Wanshan Hill is now known as Longevity Hill, and West Lake is now Kunming Lake. The hall was destroyed in the 10th year of the Xianfeng reign (1860), renovated in the 7th year of the Jiaqing reign (1802), and rebuilt in the 17th year of the Guangxu reign (1891). The Hall of Longevity and Health faces Kunming Lake, backs onto Longevity Hill, connects to the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity to the east, and links to the Long Corridor to the west. It is the best-situated area in the garden for both residence and leisure. In front of the hall is the pier where Empress Dowager Cixi would board boats. The black plaque with golden characters reading “Hall of Longevity and Health” was inscribed by Emperor Guangxu. Inside the hall are an imperial throne, a desk, ceremonial fans, and a glass screen. Beside the throne are two large blue-and-white porcelain plates used for displaying fruit and scenting the air, as well as four large bronze incense burners used for burning sandalwood. The western suite served as the bedroom, while the eastern suite functioned as the dressing room.

Location

No. 19, Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing