At the Eastern Palace Gate to the Summer Palace stands a pair of bronze lions dating back to the 18th Century. This is the female of the pair
The current Imperial Summer Palace, Yiheyuan, was built after the Old Summer Palace, Yuanmingyuan, had been looted and burnt by Anglo French forces during the Second Opium War. Many looted items are now said to be in British and other European art collections.
Near Beijing, December 2017
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The three Chinese characters carved onto the wooden name board over the entrance are said to be based on calligraphy by the Guangxu Emperor. The name Yiheyuan, 頤和園, roughly translates as Nurturing (or Fostering) Harmony Garden.
The first palace here dates back to the 12th century. But it was during the Qing Dynasty that this became a vast compound of elaborate gardens, lakes and palaces.
At the Yiheyuan Summer Palace, near Beijing; December 2017
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The Hall of Benevolence and Longevity was the audience hall where the Emperor held court and handled government affairs when at the Summer Palace.
The large bronze statue is of a Qilin (sometimes referred to as a Chinese Unicorn).
At Yiheyuan, near Beijing; December 2017
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The name sign of the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (仁壽殿) is written in both (Han) Chinese and Manchu (on the right).
The name of the hall derives from one of Confucius sayings: "He who is Benevolent will enjoy Longevity."
At Yiheyuan, near Beijing; December 2017
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A peak inside RenShouDian (the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity).
At Yiheyuan, near Beijing; December 2017
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