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Shenyang Imperial Palace } 3rd July '04

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The Shenyang Imperial Palace is a magnificient palace. Even though it is small in comparison with the Forbidden City in Beijing, it encompasses various architecture styles from different Chinese ethnicities.

The Shenyang Imperial Palace was built in 1625 by the founding Manchu emperors of the Qing Dynasty. (The Qing Dynasty is the last dynasty of China reigning from 1644 to 1911.)

At the time the palace was built, Shenyang was the capital of the Qing Dyanasty. When the dynasty began to conquer southwards, the Forbidden City in Beijing succeeded as the royal residence. Even so, the latter emperors continued to add the Han and Mongol architecture styles to the original Manchu architecture.

Peaz and I visited the Shenyang Imperial Palace on the 3rd July 2004. This was a rather significant moment because the Shenyang Imperial Palace was added to the World Heritage List merely two days earlier. (World Heritage Link)

More on Shenyang ... Shenyang is the capital of the northeastern Liaoning Province in China. It is easily accessible from Beijing by an overnight train ride. Shopping in Shenyang is cheaper than in Beijing especially is you go to the wholesale market at WuAiJie.

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.01 Curious Onlookers

Curiosity of the passer bys. Peaz seems to be enjoying the attention. ;P

.02 Sitting Pretty

Peaz sitting on the window sills. The texture on the imperial walls
gave the photo a very interesting feel.

.03 A Political Pathway

The main structure in the background is the DaZheng (Great Politics Hall). The buildings at the side are Banner Pavilions that were used as administrative offices for tribal chieftains. This is typical of the Manchu Architecture. Imagine the time when the emperor and his troops came through this pathway to make important decisions for the country.

.04 Mythical Guardian

From the DaZheng (Great Politics Hall), Peaz is sitting on the
stone structure of the fearsome mythical animal who safeguards
the emperor and his Dynasty.

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ps: These Black and White photos were developed inhouse using darkroom techniques. They are scanned and posted as it is without Photoshop effects :D
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