Home : Beijing Attraction : Forbidden City:

Last Update : 2006-12-6 17:05:29

As the counterpart of the Six Western Palaces, the Six Eastern Palaces was also the residence of the emperor's wives. The six courtyards are neatly arranged on the east side of the three main halls in the Inner Court. It consists of Jingren Gong (Palace of Great Benevolence), Chengqian Gong (Palace of Heavenly Favor), Zhongcui Gong (Palace of Purity), Yanxi Gong (Palace of Lasting Happiness), Yonghe Gong (Palace of Eternal Harmony), Jingyang Gong (Palace of Great Brilliance). They all now serve as exhibition halls to exhibit collections of a certain kind.

Last Update : 2006-12-6 17:05:33

Jingren Gong (Palace of Great Benevolence) was the birthplace of Emperor Kangxi, the second emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Empepror Qianlong's mother and Concubine Zhen of Emperor Guangxu once lived at the palace. Now, donated objects are on display in it.

Last Update : 2007-1-17 13:58:38

Yanxi Gong (Palace of Lasting Happiness) was rebuilt in 1931 as a storeroom. It is the only modern building made of armored concrete in the Forbidden City. Devotees of calligraphy will appreciate the works on display here. Also on exhibition here are numerous ceramic articles.

Last Update : 2006-12-6 17:05:40

Chengqian Gong (Palace of Heavenly Favor) was at a time the harem of Dong Xiao'e, a beloved concubine of Emperor Shunzhi (the first emperor of the Qing Dynasty). This palace is now an exhibit hall for a large number of bronze wares.

Last Update : 2007-2-6 11:42:32

The display in the Yonghe Gong (Hall of Eternal Harmony) is about the life of the imperial concubines in the Qing Dynasty, while at the Jingyang Gong (Palace of Great Brilliance) and Zhongcui Gong (Palace of Purity) enamel objects and delicate jade wares are the specialties there respectively.