The hall of Dispelling Clouds is the most dignified building in the Summer Palace. Originated from the Temple for Praying Great Gratitude and Wishing for Longevity built by Emperor Qianlong within the Garden of Clear Ripples, it was burned down together with the Garden of Clear Ripples in 1860 and rebuilt by Empress Dowager Cixi to celebrate her birthday. The front lower part was changed to the complex of the Hall of Dispelling Clouds. This name was derived from a verse by a poet, saying ‘in such splendid hall, supernatural being will emerge’ which also indicates the occupants were blessed with a prolonged life. It is said that Empress Dowager Cixi meant to make it her bedchamber when the building was topped out. But she was taken ill when she moved in cause she believed this building was so close to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Buddhist territory. So she went to live in the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, and only accepted tributes and congratulations on her birthday.
The hall of Dispelling Clouds is architecturally the highest-ranking building in the Summer Palace. Golden tiles dominate the hall’s exterior decor.