Shenyang Imperial Palace

Why Shenyang Imperial Palace is special
This sprawling, impressive royal complex was the first palace of the founders of the Qinq Dynasty.

Shenyang Imperial Palace tips and insights
History in brief
Ground was broken for the palace complex in 1625 under the auspices of the Qing Dynasty's first founder. It took ten years to complete. The palace's day in the sun was brief. The Qing Dynasty moved its royal seat from the Shenyang Imperial Palace to the Forbidden City in Beijing after their armies defeated the Ming Dynasty in Beijing in 1644 and later conquered large areas of China.

Today
Many of the buildings are well preserved. However, some have deteriorated or lost their former royal character due to weathering, commercial encroachment, or official indifference. The good news is today's government plans to restore and refurbish some buildings, interiors, and street ambiances. Moreover, I have heard that the palace complex executives plan to showcase key relics using modern lighting, multi-language audio guides, and educational touch-screen video monitors for the benefit of visitors.

Dazheng Hall (see photo)
It is the leading attraction of the palace. It houses the throne.

How to pronounce
Shenyang: sh'un-y'ahng

Banner Pavilions
They are another major tourist draw. These small buildings form neat rows along the left and right sides of the large open plaza fronting Dazheng Hall. Each was assigned to a particular tribe for its embassorial role.

Size
The Shenyang Imperial Palace is significantly smaller than its Beijing counterpart, but still majestic in feeling.

Location
The palace complex is in the city of Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning province.