The ancient Chinese liken the warble of an oriole to beautiful songs and melodies, hence the name. The hall used to be a theater. When the Great Theatre Building was completed, it served as a residence for imperial concubines. Zhenfei, the concubine of Emperor Guangxu, was put house arrest here after the 1898 Reform Movement failed because she was strong supporter of the Reform.

• Now the hall is one of the most famous restaurants in China, featuring imperial dishes and desserts. It is a must for many foreign visitors to have lunch here when they come to Beijing. More than one hundred heads of state worldwide have dined here and the late Premier Zhou Enlai has held banquets here in honor of state guests.

Beijing Tour Routes Covers Summer Palace:

Photo of Summer Palace