THE FORBIDDEN CITY, Buildings West Side I

From the Imperial Garden, move on to the Western Palaces.

The six palaces you can see here are related mostly with the Dowager Empress Cixi, who governed China for 47 long years, from the death of Emperor Xianfeng in 1861. Cixi had a son named Tongzhi, chosen as the successor to the imperial throne although he was just four years old; he died from smallpox at the age of 19, and Cixi governed in his place. After the death of her son, Cixi appointed her four-year-old nephew, Guangxu as emperor so she could continue to reign over China.

The first building you’ll come to is the Palace of Gathering Elegance, where the empress lived. Opposite it, you can see two splendid dragons and two deer in bronze, symbolizing harmony and wealth. Since dragons could only be placed where the emperors lived, this is indicative of just how powerful Cixi was.

Displayed inside are the gifts the dowager empress received for her 50th birthday. On that occasion, the Longevity Ode was composed by a number of her courtiers and engraved on the walls of the corridors, where it can still be seen today.

In the main hall of the Palace, Cixi used to meet with her courtiers. After this, you can see the room where she prayed to Buddha, and her bedroom. The luxurious decorations give you an idea of the opulent lifestyle of the empress’s court....