Dazheng Hall in the Distance
I was finally done with the Central Way of the Imperial Palace in Shenyang. The palace grounds are divided into three, West, Central and the East portions. Each of these parts were constructed during different time periods. The Central was built by Emperor Huang Taiji, the West by Emperor Qianlong and the East by Nurhachi. The name Nurhaci sounds like a very un-Chinese name, and it really is. It is a Manchu name. The Qing dynasty were Manchurians and are considered foreigners but they incorporated a lot of Chinese culture which somehow made them indistinguishable to foreigners.
Pavillion for Playing Music During Special Occasions
Nurhachi, considered the father of the Manchurian dynasty, built the Eastern block of the Imperial Palace here in Shenyang, then known as Shengjing 盛京. It is thus considered the oldest part of the imperial palace. Actually much of this portion wasn’t buildings, but rather open space. In contrast to the central block, the East block was far roomier. There was a large plaza at the end of which is a single hall the Dazheng Hall. There were four small pavillions on either side of the plaza. I guess this is the imortant part of the palace.
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