Shenyang Imperial Palace

Introduction to Shenyang Imperial Palace (沈阳故宫)

Mukden Palace is former Imperial Palace for Qing Dynasty. It is first built in 1625 for Nurhachi, and inherited by his son Abahai (Huang Taiji). Mukden Palace is one of two royal complexes existent in China today. It features the splendid and distinctly ethnic Manchu architectural style. There are Dazheng (Grand Politics) Hall, Shiwang (Ten Princes) Pavilion, Chongzheng (Golden Chimes) Hall, Fenghuang (Phoenix) Chamber and Qingning (Pure Tranquility) Pavilion. All of them are still in perfect shape. 

This fascinating palace contains many fine details. You will be impressed by the exquisitely handcrafted detailed carving and painting, which are still clear after four centuries. The throne room in Chongzheng Hall has incredibly detailed scrollwork -even the columns circled by the watchful dragons and on the throne. The palace also shows a significant influence from the Manchu and Mongolian heritage of its builders. 

Located in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning Province, the Mukden Palace was the palace of the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) emperors before moving their capital to Beijing. It was built in 1625 and home to the first three Qing emperors.

The Mukden Palace was built to resemble the Forbidden City in Beijing. However, the palace also shows hints of Manchurian and Tibetan styles. The palace has now been converted into a museum conveniently called the Shenyang Palace Museum. The museum has more than 300 Manchu-style buildings, covering an area of 60,000 square meters, and boasts more than 10,000 relics. In 2004, it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an extension of the Imperial Palace site, or the Forbidden City, in Beijing.

Location

No.171 Shenyang Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang

Main Sights

Inner Court, Palace of Heavenly Court, Palace of Heavenly Purity, Palace of Earthly Tranquility

Travel Information

Admission Fee: 60 Yuan  
Opening Hours: 8:30AM - 5:00PM

Transportation 

1. Take buses 17, 118, 132, 140, 213, 222, 228, 257, 276, 287, 290, 292, 294 or 296 getting off at Gugong Station.

Travel Tips 

1. Try to avoid visiting Shenyang Imperial Palace during the summer holidays and Golden Week in October as it will be extremely crowded.