The Hall of Benevolence and Longevity is the main construction of the political center in Summer Palace. It was first built by Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799) within the predecessor of Summer Palace. Burned down by the Anglo-French allied forces during the first Opium war in 1860, it was reconstructed in 1888.
This spacious and plush hall was originally called ‘the Hall of Diligent Government’ to inspire rulers to manage state affairs diligently. During Emperor Guangxu’s reign(1875-1908), this hall was rebuilt and the name was changed to the current one, from the famous Confucian saying - ‘the ruler who reigns benevolently will have the key to eternity’.