Passing the Paiyun Gate, the Golden Water River Bridge and the second palace gate hung with the stele of Longivity, we are now in the Paiyun Hall. The Original Hall of Sakyamuni, constructed in the period when the Summer Palace was still called Qingyi Garden, was burnt down in the war of 1860. And on the original site, it was restored to the present state in 1887, where the Empress Dowager Cixi received greetings of Summer Palace. The name"Paiyun" originated from the poem written by Guo Pu of Jin Dynasty, descrbing the scene of immortals coming out of flowing clouds, It was obvious that Cixi wished to compare herself to the immortals in this fairy-like hall.

second only to the Hall of Benevolent Longevity in terms of grades, the Paiyun Hall is located right on the middle section of the central axis of the front Wanshou Hill. Covered with yellow glazed tiles, the grand hall has various verandas and wing halls. Originally, Cixi intended to take it as her residential palace. Afraid of peeving the Buddha, she finally resided in the Hall of Joyful Longevity and celebrated her birthday here.

Keen on ostentation and extravagance, Cixi always celebrated her birthday in the grandest style:honor guards, drum corps and so on. Situating on the nine-dragon throne in the middle, wreathed with incense. Cixi used to receiv greetings of the Emperor Guangxu kowtowing at the second palace gate. Officials above second-level and noble usually kneeling inside the Paiyun Gate, and officials under third-level could only knelt outside the Paiyun Gate.

The Paiyun Hall is preserved as the original state,with many rar cultural relics, birthday gifts presented by the officials and nobles.

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