Shenyang Imperial Palace
» Shenyang, Liao Ning

沈阳故宫 盛京宫阙

No.171 Shenyang Road

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

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

  Weather

  1. What is the best time to visit Shenyang?

  Travel

  1. How guard against pickpockets in Shenyang?
  2. How about the clothing when traveling in Shenyang? Need very heavy clothes?

  Customs

  1. What are some pecial festivals in Shenyang?

  Other Hints

  1. Some useful numbers
  • What is the best time to visit Shenyang?

    Late summer, middle autumn and late winter are all good times to travel in Shenyang. Winter is an especially good time to visit because the Ice Snow Festival is held then and is very entertaining and enjoyable.

    The lowest temperature of Shenyang is -28.5 C and the highest is 36.1 C. July is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 24.7 C. It is much cooler than almost all the cities in southern China.

    The seasons of spring and summer are decorated with green plants; autumn is short but is so sunny nearly everyday; winter is like a pretty girl with long and beautiful white skirt.


  • How guard against pickpockets in Shenyang?

    • Avoid using pocketbooks that do not have a secure closure. Try to keep your hands on the closure or your pocketbook tucked close to your body.

    • Carry your wallet in an inside coat or trouser pocket. Never place it in a rear trouser pocket.

    • Be alert to the location of your valuables while in the crowd.

    • Be alert to possible staged distractions by a pickpocket team. If you are jostled, bumped or crowded, be aware that a pickpocket may be in action. If your pocket is picked, call out immediately for assistance.

    • Never display large amounts of cash when making simple purchases. If possible, use credit cards or travelers checks for major expenses.



  • How about the clothing when traveling in Shenyang? Need very heavy clothes?

    If you come to Shenyang in spring or autumn, some light clothes are enough, such as knitted sweater, jackets. However, if you travel to Shenyang in winter, you must take heavy clothes to protect against the cold.


  • What are some special festivals in Shenyang?

    Shenyang International Ice Snow Festival
    Every December through February, a grand International Ice Snow Festival is held in Qipanshan Scenic Area. You cannot only enjoy beautiful and amazing ice and snow sculptures, but you are also provided with a chance to join some ice and snow entertainment, and so on. In addition there will be an ice lantern festival and garden party in Beiling Park, Nanhu Park and Wulihe Park.

    Shenyang International Qing Dynasty Culture Festival
    As the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1919), Shenyang is blessed with rich cultural and historical resources. The Shenyang International Qing Dynasty Cultural Festival is held during every September since 1998. Main activities include parade to show royal etiquettes, traditional dances of the Manchu, temple fair, and so on.

    Shenyang West Lake Lotus Festival
    Shenyang West Lake is located in Xinmin City, about 48 kilometers (about 29.8 miles) away from Shenyang City. From every 25th, July to 10th, August, a splendid lotus festival is held. Thousands of tourists will come to Shenyang West Lake to enjoy the fantastic beauty.

    Strange Slope Pagoda Tree Flower Festival
    There are about 25 acres of pagoda trees around Shenyang Strange Slope Scenic Area. In every late May flowers will be blooming in a spirit of competition. It is really a good time and place for you to relax.

    Temple Fair
    Generally speaking, Shenyang Temple Fair is held in every February and gold weeks holidays (Labor Day and National Day holidays). During the temple fair, you can watch folk dances, enjoy folk craftwork and taste delicious local snacks.

    Shenyang International Dragon Boat Race
    International Dragon Boat Race had been held in 2003 and 2004. From 3rd, June to 2nd, July, 2006, the Third International Dragon Boat Race will be held in Wulihe Park, Shenyang. Aside from the wonderful races, there is also a Beer Festival, Food Festival, Dragon Boat Craftwork Exhibition, Photography Competition, and so on.

    Shenyang International Tourism Festival
    In 2006, the International Tourism Festival will be held in September. It is not only a good chance for you to have an enjoyment of mixed beauty of both traditional essence and modern creation, but also a nice moment for you to witness a charming, glistening and fashionable Shenyang. The Floats Parading Performance is the most attractive part.

    Shenyang Korea Week
    Usually Shenyang Korea Week is held each May, aiming to enhance the cooperation and cultural and economic exchange between the two countries. In 2006, Shenyang Korea Week will be conducted from 21st to 27th in May.

    Shenyang International Music Fireworks Festival
    Generally speaking, Shenyang International Music Fireworks Festival is held every August. You can enjoy beautiful music and splendid fireworks as well. It is not exaggerating to say that this festival is a feast for both your eyes and ears.

    2006 International Horticultural Exposition
    2006 International Horticultural Exposition will be held from 1st, May to 31st, October in Shenyang Qipanshan Scenic Area. The opening ceremony will be shown on 30th, April. The mascot for the exposition is pied magpie which is considered a rather propitious symbol in traditional Chinese culture


  • Some useful numbers

    Fire alarm: 119
    Police: 110
    Ambulance: 120
    Shenyang Customhouse: 024-22828275 or 024-22826668
    Taxi Complaint: 024-23577318
    Travel Complaint: 024-22821999
    Consumer Complaint: 12315
    EMS service: 185


As the only existing royal palace in China outside the Forbidden City in Beijing, Shenyang Imperial Palace is an emperor museum combining the architectural styles of the minorities of Man, Han and Mongolia.



phone U.S.A. +1 (310) 997-0051 / +1 (310) 878-2934
Canada +1 (604) 998-6945
China +86 (10) 8409-8570 / +86 (10) 8409-8571
email info@yeschinatour.commsn: help@yeschinatour.com