Comparison between Shenyang and Beijing Palace Museums

Both the Palace Museum in Beijing and Shenyang Palace Museum are magnificent imperial architectural complexes in China. Both are late examples of classical Chinese wooden buildings but with many differences in the fine details.

1.Different construction backgrounds

The Palace Museum in Beijing was first built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) when China had a stable political situation and solid economy. The architecture of the palace signifies the supremacy of the feudal imperial power. In contrast the Shenyang Palace Museum was built during the less stable times of early stages of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and the complex carries architectural features of nomadic tribes in north China.

The Palace Museum in Beijing (above) and Shenyang Palace Museum (below). [Photo/VCG]