Shenyang Imperial Palace Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information
Shenyang Imperial Palace is one of two royal palaces well kept in China. The other one is Forbidden City in Beijing. Shenyang Imperial Palace was entitled "Historic Culture Relics Preserved Buildings" in 1961 by the State Council. It was the political and cultural center of the northeastern area when Qing Dynasty ruled China and serves as the best evidence to study the social status, construction style and folklore custom of early Qing Dynasty.
Something about Shenyang
Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, is a celebrated old city with more than 2,000 years of history which can be traced back to Warring States Period (476 B.C. - 221 B.C.). It is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), and has many cultural relics which symbolize the prosperity and subsequent decline of China's last feudal dynasty.
Shenyang is regarded as the birthplace of Manchurians. The most famous of these is the Shenyang Imperial Palace , which is of great historic and artistic significance and second only to the Forbidden City in Beijing in the extent of its preservation Fuling Tomb and Zhaoling Tomb are two other famous imperial structures of the Qing Dynasty.
How many emperors ever paid visits
Shenyang Imperial Palace with a history of over 360 years started in 1625 and was roughly accomplished in 1636 during the reign of Nuerhachi and Huang Taiji. After them four emperors of Qing Dynasty had come back from Beijing to this palace for 10 times and enlarged its area and added its buildings. They were Emperor Kang Xi, Qian Long, Jia Qing and Dao Guang. Therefore, until 1783 the palace was finally finished. Qing Dynasty set up by Manchurians is the last feudal dynasty in China. Man is one of 56 minorities in China.
Why do visit
Shenyang Imperial Palace's architecture mirrors Manchu customs and the blend of local ethnic groups at the time of its construction. It is one of the cultural relics in China and it is the symbol of this city. It is a good combination of different nationalities as well as a tourist attraction. A visit to Shenyang Imperial Palace definitely offers you a lot information about the Qing Dynasty in its incipient stage
Layout of the palace
This palace covers an area of 60,000 square meters, comprising over 20 courtyards, 300 houses and 70 buildings. The main structure includes three sections: the eastern section, the middle section and the western section. Each section boasts of unique characteristics.
The eastern part
The eastern section is probably the most impressive for the octagonal Dazheng Dian, the Hall of Great Affairs, built by Nuerhachi, has a group of ten Banner Pavilions in the front that were administrative offices for tribal chieftains. It is in vivid red and gold, inside which is an elaborate throne where Shun Zhi was crowned.
The middle part
The middle section starts at Daqing Men, the Main Gate, behind which is the grand Chongzheng Dian, Hall of Supreme Administration, where Huang Taiji commanded military affairs and conducted daily business. The emperor also met diplomats from abroad and leaders of minority groups in this hall.
Behind the hall, there is a route leading to the Fenghuang Lou, the Phoenix Tower and the study of Huang Taiji. It was noted as Shenyang's highest building at that time.
At the rear of the middle section is the Qingning Gong, The Palace of Pure Tranquility and the bed chamber for Huang Taiji and his mistress.
The western part
The western section was added in 1782 by Emperor Qian Long (1711 - 1799), and its main building is the Wenshuo Ge, Hall of Literary Source, which contains the complete works of the Four Treasures as well as a copy with the inscription of Emperor Qian Long.
When to visit
Opening Hours: 8:10a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Getting there
By bus: No. 213 & 222