East Palace Gate

East Palace Gate

The East Palace Gate is the front entrance of the Summer Palace. It is an east-facing gateway with gable roof. 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 mother, the East Palace Gate directly represents Chinese culture concerning feudal hierarchy.

The lintels under eaves are patterned with colorful paintings. On the gate hangs a plaque inscribed by Emperor Guangxu with 'Yiheyuan’ (Summer Palace), which literally means to maintain energy and mellow the soul. A Danbi Stairway Stone Carvings leading to the entrance is chiseled with two relief dragons playing with a ball. It was moved from the Yuanmingyuan Ruins (Old Summer Palace) in 1937, symbolizing royal dignity. In front, a couple of bronze lions crouch on white marble pedestals on either side, with male in the south and female in the north.

Visitors will be impressed by the three big and vigorous characters 'Yi He Yuan' (Summer Palace) written on the plaque. About the origin of these characters, there was an interesting story passed down from generation to generation. During the restoration of Summer Palace, the Empress Dowager Cixi decreed an order to craftsmen for a proper plaque. After consultation, they appealed to Emperor Guangxu for an inscription thought he was the only one who is able to do it. The Emperor was so pleased to accept their request. He quickly picked up a writing brush and wrote the three characters 'Yi He Yuan', but these characters were terribly twisting. When Empress Dowager Cixi saw the plaque, she angrily asked the craftsmen to take it off. Hearing about this, the Emperor Guangxu broke out in a cold sweat and made up his mind to practice calligraphy. (Empress Dowager Cixi took charge of state affairs for decades and Emperor Guangxu is only a nominal ruler at that time.) Finally through earnest effort and by apprenticing a master who had good handwriting, the Emperor could finish the three characters with one stroke, and his calligraphy work was satisfactory to all courtiers and Cixi as well. Then, it was made a plaque with nine dragons around hanging above the East Palace Gate.

Regardless the truth of the story, the East Palace Gate makes the Summer Palace more magnificent and grand with this plaque. In addition, about 200 meters (218.7 yards) outside the superb East Palace Gate stands a wooden archway that visitors will see before arriving at the East Palace Gate, named Hanxu and Yanxiu Decorated Archway. 'Hanxu' in the east indicates 'picturesque scenery', and 'Yanxiu' in the west means 'capturing beauty'. Under the saddle roof, brims on either side are deep-carved with dragons and phoenix panels. The archway, as the first structure leading to the entrance, it perfectly points out for visitors the theme of the Summer Palace.

Also, visitors will see a small yard after passing through the East Palace Gate. With nine rooms each side, it was called ‘Neichao House’ or literally ‘House of Inner Court’, in which nine head officers from six ministries of Qing Dynasty were on duty.

Next: Hall of Benevolence and Longevity

 Related Link: Summer Palace Travel Tips

- Last updated on May. 23, 2022 -
Questions & Answers on East Palace Gate
Asked by DD from ISRAEL | Jun. 09, 2016 02:09Reply
How do I get to East Gate of Summer Palace from Novotel Peace by subway?
And back from the North Gate?
Answers (2)
Answered by Bobi from GERMANY | Jun. 09, 2016 22:02
20Reply


From your hotel, walk north along South Dongsi Street around 1 mile to get to Dongsi Station and take subway line 6 to Pinganli Station. Then transfer to line 4 to Beigongmen Station, Exit C. Afterwards, walk southeast around 0.6 miles to find the East Gate.
About the return way, walk east around 450 yards to find Beigongmen Station. Then also take metro line 4 and transfer to line 6. And finally go back to the hotel.
Answered by Dd from ISRAEL | Jun. 10, 2016 00:05
00Reply


Thank you ❤️
Asked by marie | Apr. 24, 2013 07:27Reply
Can we purchase the combination tickets at the East Gate, Summer Palace?
i read somewhere that if we take the boat ride, tickets sold for the Summer Palace are just for the entrance. but doesnt the boat fare NOT include entrance fees to the park?

also can we buy additional passes at the East Gate for example, Suzhou Street, etc? thanks.
Answers (1)
Answered by Julie from UNITED KINGDOM | Apr. 25, 2013 02:36
00Reply


If you want to take the boat on Kunming Lake, you have to buy the tickets again. The boat ticket is not included in the entrance fee.
If you want to travel to another additional places, it is suggested to buy the through ticket, which is 60RMB for the peak season, then you do not need to buy any other tickets.
Asked by Mrs.Lans Velarde from PHILIPPINES | Jan. 20, 2011 20:22Reply
we may start off from North Gate of summer palace. may i know how to get back to Bengongmen station from East Palace Gate?
Answers (1)
Answered by Mr.Bruce | Jan. 21, 2011 02:25
00Reply


You can exit the East palace gate, and walk along the Tongqing Street to the end for about 10 minutes, then you will see Xiyuan Subway Station of Beijing Subway Line 4. You may take the subway to North Palace gate directly.
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