
AOMO TRAVEL
Thorough exploration of North China's highlights
.jpeg)
Mukden Palace 沈阳故宫
Shenyang Forbidden City is situated in the heart of Shenhe District, Shenyang, with convenient transportation. Visitors can choose multiple transportation options such as subway, bus, or taxi to get there. The scenic area is surrounded by multiple attractions such as the Shenyang Fangcheng Cultural Tourism Zone, making it suitable for a one-day itinerary.

Scenic Area Characteristics and Status
Shenyang Forbidden City attracts numerous visitors with its unique Manchu characteristics and historical background. The scenic area covers an area of 63,272 square meters and has a building area of 18,968 square meters. It not only displays the architectural art and historical culture of the early Qing Dynasty but is also a comprehensive cultural tourism scenic area integrating education and entertainment. In 2004, Shenyang Forbidden City was inscribed on the World Heritage List, becoming a treasure in the history of Chinese and world architecture.
Historical Background and Evolution
Shenyang Forbidden City was founded in the 10th year of the Tianming reign of Emperor Nurhaci (1625) and completed in the 1st year of the Chongde reign of Emperor Huangtaiji (1636). It was a royal palace created by the two founding emperors of the Qing Dynasty, Nurhaci and Huangtaiji. After the Qing Dynasty moved its capital to Beijing, Shenyang Forbidden City became the secondary capital palace, maintaining an important political status. It underwent three construction periods under Nurhaci, Huangtaiji, and Emperor Qianlong, with over 100 buildings and 500 rooms completed over 158 years.
Introduction to Core Buildings
The architectural layout of Shenyang Forbidden City is divided into three parts: the Eastern Route, the Central Route, and the Western Route. The Eastern Route, centered on the Great Hall of State and the Ten Princes' Pavilions, is where the emperor held grand ceremonies and where the Eight Banner ministers conducted official duties. The Central Route, featuring important buildings such as the Gate of Great Purity, the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Golden Hall), Phoenix Tower, and Qingning Palace, showcases the process of cultural exchange and fusion between the Manchu and Han cultures. The Western Route, added during the Qianlong period, includes buildings such as the Palace of Rest and Tranquility and the Palace of Blissful Repose, reflecting the artistic style of the late Qing Dynasty.
Cultural Value and Significance
Shenyang Forbidden City is not only a treasure trove of architectural art but also a place rich in cultural relics. The scenic area houses precious artifacts such as imperial and queenly belongings, Ming and Qing dynasty paintings and calligraphy, imperial furniture and crafts, and Qing dynasty embroidered clothing. The Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum, established on the basis of the Shenyang Forbidden City, is an ancient cultural and artistic museum with a rich collection of artifacts, which is of great value for studying the early history, culture, and social life of the Qing Dynasty.
Visitor Experience and Insights
Walking into Shenyang Forbidden City is like traveling through a time tunnel back to a legendary era. The grandeur of the Great Hall of State, the orderly arrangement of the Ten Princes' Pavilions, and the gentle tranquility of Phoenix Tower all inspire awe in visitors. During their visit, tourists can not only learn about the origin and development of China's last feudal dynasty but also deeply appreciate the unique charm of Chinese civilization's diversity and unity. Shenyang Forbidden City is not only a living history book recording the past glory and changes but also an indispensable part of Shenyang tourism, providing visitors with a memorable cultural journey.