Liuhe Pillow

Last updated 2026-11-11 — It is said that when Empress Dowager Cixi traveled westward to Pingyao, she was weary from the journey. After enjoying the local specialties and fine wine, she prepared to rest. However, being away from the palace and having endured a bumpy, arduous journey, coupled with the internal and external turmoil of the time, Cixi tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep for a long time. The local Pingyao officials attending her quickly presented the unique "Liuhe Pillow" of the region at that time, which helped the Empress Dowager sleep peacefully. The next day, feeling refreshed and in high spirits, Cixi asked why the pillow was called "Liuhe." She was told that "Liuhe" referred to the six holes on the pillow, all interconnected, representing the up, down, east, west, south, and north, symbolizing peace and harmony throughout the land. Delighted, Cixi exclaimed, "Peace under heaven, the nation and its people are safe and sound." She then bestowed the name "Tai" (meaning peace) upon it, and thus the "Liuhe Tai" pillow has been passed down ever since!