Stage of Studio of Cleansing Fragrance (Shufang zhai) at the Palace of Many Splendors (Chonghua gong)

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The Palace of Many Splendors was formerly a residence of the Qianlong Emperor when he was an imperial prince. It underwent extensive restoration after his enthronement. A stage was added to the original design, and on the top floor, a pulley was installed. On the occasion of the Spring Festival celebrations, the emperor hosted court officials by staging an opera performance and offering tea. In 1923, the abdicated Qing emperor and family celebrated an imperial consort dowager's birthday by an opera performance on this stage. It was also the last theatrical performance in the imperial palace.