Treasures of China is a celebration of dramatic contrasts, a unique blend of cultural journeys and far-flung destinations where a world of adventure awaits.
At the Hall of Happiness and Longevity in the renowned Summer Palace visitors see the residence of Empress Dowager Cixi. Rebuilt in 1889, is east outer chamber was where she took breakfast and tea. The inner chamber was her dressing room. The west inner chamber served as her bedroom, and the west outer one was her reading chamber.
Fronting the Hall of Happiness and Longevity are bronze deer, cranes and vases symbolizing universal peace. Magnolias, flowering crab apple trees and peonies planted here represent homes filled with wealth and prestige.
A large table in the central hall was the Empress Dowager's dining table. It is said that at each meal she ordered a total of 128 courses -but only tasted a few.
Presented by the Germans in 1903, the chandeliers were China's first electric lights. The Summer Palace had its own power station. Initially opposed to the installation of electric lights in Beijing, the Empress Dowager was persuaded to change her mind by the superintendent eunuch.
Two embroideries on display feature a peacock in full plumage and a phoenix among 100 birds. The Empress Dowager tended to compare herself to the peacock and phoenix. The peacock is considered the most beautiful bird, while the phoenix is the queen of birds.
A visit to the Hall of Happiness and Longevity at the Summer Palace is a truly sublime experience you will always treasure.
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