Palace of Tranquil Longevity

The Palace of Tranquil Longevity is an imperial residence within the Forbidden City containing multiple halls decorated with traditional Chinese woodwork, paintings, and golden ornaments. The rooms display hand-crafted artistic details reflecting the imperial craftsmanship of the period.

The palace was built in 1771 during the Qing Dynasty and later became the residence of Empress Dowager Cixi. She made it the center of her rule over China for several decades.

The building reflects traditional Chinese design principles through symbolic arrangements of decorative elements that represent prosperity and longevity. Visitors can observe these meaningful details in the woodwork and room layouts throughout the complex.

The palace is part of the Forbidden City complex and is accessed through the main entrance. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the site involves many steps and transitions between rooms.

The central throne hall features a hidden arrangement where Empress Dowager Cixi sat behind a yellow silk screen to receive foreign diplomats. This setup allowed her to be both present and concealed, reflecting her unusual position in the imperial hierarchy.

Location: Beijing

Inception: 1771

Part of: Forbidden City

GPS coordinates: 39.91887,116.39410

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:58