Atlas of China
Mukden Palace 沈阳故宫Shěnyáng Gùgōng
The Manchu palace where the Qing dynasty was proclaimed, years before it took Beijing
- Best time
- May–Oct
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Days to budget
- Half a day
- Stay in
- Shenyang
- Region
- Liaoning
- Type
- Heritage
- Listed as
- 4A scenic area, National heritage site, UNESCO World Heritage
Why go to Mukden Palace
Built from 1625 into the 1630s, Shenyang's imperial palace was the seat of the early Manchu rulers before they captured Beijing in 1644. Smaller and far calmer than the Forbidden City, it blends Han Chinese, Manchu and Tibetan design; look for the octagonal Dazheng Hall facing two rows of pavilions once used by the princes and the Eight Banners.
The story
Nurhaci moved his capital to Shenyang in 1625, and his son Hong Taiji proclaimed the Qing dynasty here in 1636. Later emperors made long journeys back to their ancestral homeland, staying in the palace and adding to it.
What to see at Mukden Palace
- Dazheng Hall and Ten Princes' Pavilions 大政殿与十王亭: The octagonal hall of 1625 faced by two rows of pavilions for the princes and banners, the oldest part of the palace.
- Chongzheng Hall 崇政殿: The main hall of the middle section, built under Hong Taiji for state business.
- Phoenix Tower 凤凰楼: A three-storey tower on a high platform at the front of the inner court, used for banquets and affairs of state in the early Qing and later to store imperial records.
- Qingning Palace 清宁宫: The residence of Hong Taiji and his principal wife, set on a high platform behind the Phoenix Tower, built in the 1620s–30s.
- Wensu Pavilion 文溯阁: A library built under the Qianlong Emperor on the west side to store a set of the Siku Quanshu.
How to visit Mukden Palace
Walk the palace in three zones: the east section first (Dazheng Hall), then the central axis from the Daqing Gate to the Phoenix Tower and Qingning Palace, then the west section with the theatre and library. The whole complex can be seen in two or three hours; half a day includes the museum displays.
How to get to Mukden Palace
The palace is in Shenyang's old centre, a few minutes' walk from the Zhongjie shopping street; Shenyang is under three hours from Beijing by high-speed train.
Where to stay
Stay near Zhongjie Street or in the old centre, within walking distance of the palace and the shopping streets, or near Shenyang North station for trains.
What to eat
- Laobian dumplings 老边饺子: One of Shenyang's best-known old-established dumpling brands, with its restaurants in the centre near the palace and Zhongjie.
- Xita cold noodles 西塔冷面: Korean-style cold noodles in a chilled soup, a favourite in Shenyang's Korean quarter.
Tips for visiting Mukden Palace
- Come on a weekday morning for near-empty courtyards, but not on a Monday, when the palace is closed except on public holidays.
- Add Zhaoling, Hong Taiji's tomb in Beiling Park, which is also UNESCO-listed.
- Bring your passport for ticket booking and entry.
Nearby
Also within 30 km: Marshal Zhang's Mansion 张学良旧居 (under 10 km), Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral, Shenyang 沈阳天主堂 (under 10 km), Old North Market (Laobeishi) 老北市 (under 10 km), Xibe Ancestral Temple (Taiping Temple) 锡伯族家庙 (under 10 km), CPC Manchuria Provincial Committee Site 中共满洲省委旧址 (under 10 km), Former Liaoning Main Station (Old North Station) 辽宁总站旧址 (under 10 km).
On the map
Open Mukden Palace on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Mukden Palace on the map