Hall of Dispelling Clouds

The Hall of Dispelling Clouds (Paiyundian) is a splendid structure with red columns and a roof covered with golden yellow tiles. It is built on a platform which is framed by white marble balusters and adorned with bronze dragons, phoenixes and vessels. Inside the hall sits a throne, flanked by a screen, incense burners and fans. The screen is ancient and elegant with exquisite enamelwork embedded in a red backing. Also on display are some precious gifts presented by ministers to Empress Dowager Cixi on her seventieth birthday. The hall together with the adjoining wing halls has 21 rooms, all of which are connected by cloisters.

With red pillars and yellow tiles, the Paiyundian contains 21 rooms. In front of the hall are white marble balusters supporting a flat roof on which bronze dragons, phoenixes, and vessels stand.

Although the treasures on display inside are fewer than those in the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity , some of them are more valuable. The middle rosewood throne with a dragon-in-clouds design, gorgeous sculpture, and fluid lines, is regarded as superlative work of art. On the sides of the throne stand two agalwood serving women, each holding articles shaped in the Chinese character "shou (longevity)." There are also a fine screen, mandarin fans, and a large canvas of Cixi by a Dutch painter.

To the south of the Hall of Dispelling Clouds is the Gate of Dispelling Clouds positioned in the middle of the Long Gallery to divide the gallery's eastern and western sides. On each side of the gate lie bronze lions symbolizing protection, and twelve stone statues of the Chinese zodiac animals -- rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.