New Summer Palace, Listening to Orioles Pavilion

The Listening to Orioles Pavilion was built by Emperor Qianlong for his mother to enjoy theatrical performances. Throughout the Qing dynasty, the hall served as a vital venue for imperial musical appreciation, banquets and entertainment. It later became the exclusive theatre and banqueting hall of Empress Dowager Cixi, whose calligraphy can be seen on the theatre's plaque. The hall's name is derived from the metaphorical comparison of the melodious beauty of opera to the enchanting song of the oriole bird.