This impressive palace complex resembles a small-scale Forbidden City. Constructed between 1625 and 1636 by Manchu emperor Nurhachi (1559–1626) and his son, Huang Taiji, the palace served as the residence of the Qing-dynasty rulers until 1644. The central courtyard buildings include ornate ceremonial halls and imperial living quarters, including a royal baby cradle.
In all, there are 114 buildings, not all of which are open to the public. Don’t miss the double-eaved octagonal Dàzhèng Hall (at the rear of the complex), which has two gold dragons curled around the pillars at the entrance, a deep interior plafond ceiling and an elaborate throne, where Nurhachi’s grandson, Emperor Shunzhi, was crowned. At Chóngzhèng Hall , the first large building as you enter, the beams over the entrance portico are all carved in the shape of five-fingered dragons.
Zhong Jie metro station (exit B) drops you off a few minutes north.
