The East Palace Gate is the major entrance to the Summer Palace with two side doors for royal family members and court officials, and three grand doors in the middle exclusively for the Emperor, Empress and queen mothers. On the gate hangs a plaque inscribed 'Yiheyuan' (Summer Palace) meaning 'to maintain energy and mellow the soul'. The road for the emperors leading to the entrance is chiseled with two relief dragons playing with a ball, symbolizing royal dignity.

About 200 meters (218.7 yards) from the superb East Palace Gate is a lion-guarded inscribed archway. One inscription, 'Hanxu', indicates 'picturesque scenery', the other 'Yanxiu', means 'capturing beauty'. This tells visitors about the enchanting scenery inside the garden.

Upon entering the gate, visitors will be impressed by the three big and vigorous characters "颐和园" (Summer Palace) written on the plaque. It is said to be the handwriting of Emperor Guangxu, and about the origin of these characters, there was an interesting story passed down from generation to generation. During the restoration of Summer Palace, craftsmen appealed to Emperor Guangxu for an inscription on the plaque. The Emperor was pleased to accept their request. He quickly picked up a writing brush and wrote the three words "颐和园", but these words were terribly twisting. When Empress Cixi saw it, she angrily asked the craftsmen to take it off. Hearing about this, the Emperor Guangxu felt ashamed and made up his mind to practice calligraphy. Finally through earnest effort and by apprenticing a master who had good handwriting, the Emperor could finish the three words with one stroke, and his calligraphy work was so satisfactory to be hung above the East Palace Gate.

Regardless the truth of the story, the East Palace Gate of Summer Palace, added by these vigorous and forceful words, become more magnificent and grand. Pass through the gate, and you will enter a picturesque garden with charming landscape and historical connections waiting for your exploration.

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 Related Link: Summer Palace Travel Tips