The Summer Palace:Longevity Chamber (Yongshou Zhai)

During the reign of Emperor Guangxu, this chamber, along with the courtyard, was built adjacent to the Empress Dowager’s sleeping quarters, the “Hall of Happiness in Longevity”. Popularly known as “the Chief’s Courtyard”, it served as the living quarters for Li Lianying, chief of the court eunuchs at the end of the Qing Dynasty. Li is trusted eunuch of Empress Dowager Cixi, his building is most magnificent.