The empress lived in the Palace of Gathering Elegance. 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.
You can also visit two rooms where there is an exhibition on Puyi, the last emperor of China: one used to be the Royal Telephone Office, introduced by Emperor Puyi in 1910.
