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Hall of Benevolence and Longevity  Last Update : 2007-2-5 9:17:12
 The Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshoudian) was a place where the emperor temporarily conducted his business. It was originally built in 1750, and named Qinzhengdian (Hall of Industrious Government), which reminded the emperor to be diligent in transacting state affairs while relaxing in the garden. Destroyed by fire in 1860, the hall was rebuilt and given its present name, Renshoudian. The words, which translate as 'Benevolence and Longevity', were taken from the Analects of Confucius, to imply that the emperor who applied a policy of benevolence would live a long life. Last Update : 5/18/2007 2:35:29 AM
In the hall, a throne, a wall screen, decorative fans made of peacock feather, incense burners, crane-shaped lights remain laid out as they originally were. The wall screen is quite exceptional, for it has nine dragons and 226 examples of the Chinese character for'Longevity', in different styles.  Last Update : 2/7/2007 11:00:56 PM
In front of the hall, there are bronze phoenixes and dragons, with hollow abdomens. When incense was burnt inside, they would smoke, adding aroma to the atmosphere during the ongoing court in the hall. In the courtyard, four unusual stones, dark in color and with holes, represent the four seasons of the year. To the north of the hall, visitors may observe a well, Yannianjing (Well of Prolonging Life). Empress Dowager Cixi is said to have recovered from sunstroke after drinking the water from the well and bestowed on it the name. Next: Hall of Jade Ripples
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