Hall of Jade Ripples (Yulantang)

The Hall of Jade Ripples (Yulantang) in the Summer Palace is located west of the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity. It was built facing Kunming Lake and named after the verse “Jade-like spring bubbles with gentle ripples”, meaning a hall bathed in shimmering lake light. 

Once a study for Qing emperors, it later transformed into Emperor Guangxu’s (1871~1908) bedroom and notably became the place where Empress Dowager Cixi (1835~1908) imprisoned Emperor Guangxu.
 

Hall of Jade Ripples

In 1750, the Hall of Jade Ripples was built and used by Emperor Qianlong as a study. In the 19th century, it was transformed into a banquet venue. Emperor Daoguang (1782~1850) treated 15 ministers aging above seventy here in 1823 to show his respect to seniors. In 1860, the hall was damaged during the Anglo-French Expedition to China, and then rebuilt in 1886 and became Emperor Guangxu's bedroom. 

Today, visitors can explore the hall restored in a state that blends the features of its early days as a study and later as a bedroom.
 

A Restored Scene of Guangxu Living in the Hall

In the late 19th century, Empress Dowager Cixi ruled the Qing Dynasty with an iron fist, while Emperor Guangxu, though the nominal ruler, was merely a puppet in her hands. In 1889, he tried to reform and embrace Western ideas, but Cixi crushed his efforts after 103 days, and imprisoned him in the Hall of Jade Ripples, which was then sealed off by bricks and guarded by eunuchs.

Life within these walls was harsh for Emperor Guangxu. Eunuchs who served him recalled his physical and mental decline. He always ate meals in silence showing no interest or complaint. Yet he found joy in playing chess with eunuchs, appearing approachable and pleasant. But once the game over, he reverted to his wooden demeanor, staring blankly ahead.
 

The Hall of Jade Ripples, together with its two side halls, the Hall of Lotus Fragrance and the Hall of Dawn Radiance, form a courtyard, with the Gate of Jade Ripples as the entrance.
 

Courtyard of the Jade Ripples Hall

The main Hall of Jade Ripples faces south, roofed with grey tiles in a curved-eave gable style. On either side are three small duty rooms for eunuchs. In the center room stands Emperor Guangxu's throne made of red sandalwood, with its backrest and armrests inlaid with boxwood, exquisitely carved with landscapes, pavilions, and figures.

The west chamber of the hall was the emperor's bedroom. Above the bedspread hangs a plaque inscribed with the four characters "Fēng Huáng Chéng Yùn" (风篁成韵), meaning the bamboo grove produces rhythmic and melodious sounds when blown by the wind. These characters are cleverly homophonic with "Fèng Huáng Chéng Yùn" (凤凰成孕), expressing the hope for the emperor and empress to conceive a noble offspring soon.

The east chamber was where Emperor Guangxu studied. A large cloth fan hangs from the beam, pulled back and forth by eunuchs in summer to keep him cool.

In the courtyard of the Hall of Jade Ripples, there are uniquely designed white marble pedestals, carved into various shapes such as scrolling grass, flowers, and bats (symbolizing happiness). They were specifically used for displaying bronze vessels during celebrations and seasonal festivals.
 

Inside the Hall of Jade Ripples

Located south of the Hall of Jade Ripples, the Gate of Jade Ripples (Yulanmen) is the main entrance. On either side of the gate, there are large rocks known as the "Mother and Child Rocks".

 Mother and Child Rocks

Among these two ornamental rocks, the western one resembles an old woman with a wrinkled face, while the eastern one features patterns that mimic a toddler. Legend has it that Empress Dowager Cixi deliberately placed these rocks here to remind Emperor Guangxu of his duty to be loyal and filial to her at all times.
 

The west Hall of Lotus Fragrance (Ouxiangxie) is a pass-through structure leading to the Kunming Lake. Every summer, sitting in this hall, one can enjoy the fragrance of lotus flowers from Kunming Lake, and see lush greenery on the Longevity Hill through the gauze windows.
 

Hall of Dawn Radiance

Hall of Dawn Radiance

The east Hall of Dawn Radiance (Xiafenshi), also a pass-through structure, leads directly to the Hall of benevolence and Longevity. Before imperial court sessions, Emperor Guangxu often waited here. After everything was prepared, he would walk out of the pass-through doorway to the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity. 

Since Guangxu left for the court session from here every morning at dawn, when the sun was just rising and illuminating the sky with countless rays, hence the name Dawn Radiance. The name also symbolizes the emperor as the rising sun.