From the perilous (ceremonial arch) on the northern shore of
Kunming Lake, the Cloud-Dispelling Hall (Paiyundian), the Hall of Virtuous Brilliance (Dehuiclian),the Pavilion of Buddhist Incense (Foxiangge) and the Temple of the Sea of Wisdom(Zhihuihai) rise straight up the slope of Longevity Hill. Inside the Cloud-Dispelling Hall, where Cixi celebrated her birthdays, are displays of penjing (potted miniature landscapes) and artifacts which were almost all tributes from her ministers. An American executed the oil painting of the empress for Cixi’s 69th birthday
kunming lake of summer palace
