Shenyang - Imperial Palace Gugong
The magnificent and imposing 60,000sq.m/71,760sq.yd Imperial Palace dating from the early Qing era, is situated in the east of Shenyang. It is, after the Imperial Palace in Beijing, the second largest completely preserved palace complex in China. The building work took over ten years to complete (1625-36). The complex served as an imperial palace to both of the first Qing emperors, Nurhachi (1559-1626) and Huang Taiji (1592-1643). The palace complex includes several courtyards, around which are grouped numerous buildings, and is separated into eastern, central, and western sections.
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Hall of Exaulted Government
The Hall of Exaulted Government (Chongzheng Dian), built before 1632, is the center of the middle section and houses the imperial throne and a screen with a gilded dragon as a bas-relief. It served as the audience building to the second Qing emperor Huang Taiji, and was also used for carrying out daily business.
Hall of Great Government
Situated at the far end of the eastern wing of the Imperial Palace, The Hall of the Great Government (Dazheng Dian) is the oldest palace building and dates back to the early 17th C. Although the octagonal building is reminiscent of a nomadic tent, the building otherwise reveals many features of Chinese architecture. Held here were the most important ceremonies concerning the emperor.
Pavilion of Clarity and Rest
The Palace of Clarity and Rest (Qingning Gong), built in 1625, housed the imperial couple's sleeping chambers and sacrificial rooms.
Pavilion of the Source of Culture
The Pavilion of the Source of Culture (Wenshuo Ge) in the rear section of the western wing functioned as the emperor's private study. The only complete edition of the Siku Quanshu, a Chinese encyclopedia which appeared in 1772 in only seven editions, was previously kept here.
Phoenix Tower
The three-story Phoenix Tower (Fenghuang Lou) (1627) behind the Hall of Exaulted Governments was used for banquets.
Ten Princely Pavilions
In the Ten Princely Pavilions (Shiwang Ting), which are set in two rows in front of the Hall of the Great Government, were the offices and reception halls of the ten leading princes of the Qing era, those of the princes of the right wing, the princes of the left wing, and the eight banner commanders who led the Qing army. Some of the buildings in the complex house the palace museum.
