The East Palace Gate is the main entrance of the Summer Palace, featuring a five-ridge hip roof with three doors open to the south and two side doors open respectively to the east and the west. Under the grand door in the middle is “the imperial road” exclusively for the emperors and the empresses, the two doors on its sides for court officials, and the eunuchs and soldiers were only allowed to walk through the side doors in the north of the south gate. Under the eaves of the gate hangs a plaque inscribed by Emperor Guangxu. It was said that Emperor Guangxu condescended to seek advice from others in order to write the three characters “Yiheyuan” well. After the renovation of the Summer Palace, Empress Dowager Cixi decreed an order, asking the Ministry of Works to make a plaque for East Palace Gate.

To capitalize this occasion for promotion and wealth, court officials of the Ministry of Works pleaded with Emperor Guangxu for the writing. Emperor Guangxu happily granted their request, but his handwriting was not-that-pleasing. The court officials had no choice but to ask the craftsman to make a plaque according to the emperor’s writing and then hung it over the gate. The second day, Empress Dowager Cixi flew into a rage after seeing the plaque, and ordered an immediate removal of the plaque. Ashamed by the incident, Emperor Guangxu made up his mind to practice calligraphy industriously. However, after several days of practice, he made little progress. Then a court official suggested, “Your Majesty, why not pay respect to a master and seek for his advice?”

With the recommendation of court officials, Emperor Guangxu learned calligraphy from Wang Yongfu, a veteran carpenter. Owing to the proper guidance and diligence, Emperor Guangxu was finally able to write a good hand. The three characters “Yiheyuan” written by the Emperor look very vigorous and magnificent. Alter, the nine-dragon plaque was again hung on the East Palace Gate.

On either side of the gate sits a bronze lion, one male and the other female. The right paw of the male lion steps on a ball, thus gaining a name of “lion rolling the colored silk ball”, while the left paw is a female lion resting one of her feet on a cub, making a scenery of “Shaoshi Taishi” which symbolizes generations of high-ranking officials. Walking through the archway of the East Palace Gate, you will see the picturesque scenery and enjoy a refreshing experience.