Pavilion of Pleasant Sounds(Changyinge)Ⅱ

In ancient China, theatergoing is the major amusement. During the time of diversities of festivals such as Spring Festival, Spring Begins, Lantern Festival, Double-Seven Day, Dragon-Boat Day, Middle-Autumn Festival, Double-Nine Day, Winter Begins, Emperor’s Enthronement and the Birthday Ceremony of Emperor and Empress, the royal members were always appreciated opera show here. There are many places for opera performance in Forbidden City: such as the theater stage between Taijidian(Hall of Supreme Principle) and Changchungong(Palace of Eternal Spring), Shufangzhai Theater Stage and so on, while the large-scale Changyinge(Pavilion of Pleasant Sounds) was specially used for opera performance on some great occasions. Majority of the performances belonging to Immortal Play show the peace and prosperity of the society. In terms of the reference record, during the reign of Empress Dowager Cixi, she used to appreciate the opera performance on some festive days with Emperor, Empress, Concubines as well as Prince and officials. In 1884, on the fiftieth birthday of Empress Dowager Cixi, in order to meet the need of Empress Dowager Cixi’s appreciation of opera performance, the consumption for costume and prop purchase is very big.