Kunning Palace is the last of the three main palaces in the inner court. Its name is taken from the sentence ‘When the Kun obtains the One, it is at peace’ in the Tao Te Ching, hence the name Kunning Palace. In ancient times, the status of the empress was opposite to that of the emperor. She was the noble woman in the world. Kunning Palace corresponded to the Qianqing Palace where the emperor lived.
In the Ming Dynasty, it had always been the sleeping palace of the empress, the main wife. In the Qing Dynasty, Kunning Palace was rebuilt according to Manchu customs. The rebuilt Kunning Palace is full of Manchu cultural characteristics. Its main function has also changed from the sleeping palace of the empress to a place for sacrifice. On major sacrificial days and the first and fifteenth day of each month, the emperor and empress would personally come here to offer sacrifices to the gods. On major celebrations and New Year’s Day, the empress would also hold celebration ceremonies here. In addition, it also has an important function as the wedding chamber for the emperor. The three emperors, Kangxi, Tongzhi, and Guangxu who ascended the throne at a young age, and the abdicated emperor Puyi all lived in the east warm chamber of Kunning Palace for two days before returning to live in the Qianqing Palace or Yangxin Palace. Now, the east warm chamber of Kunning Palace is still furnished as it was when it was the wedding chamber of the emperor in the Qing Dynasty. Opening hours: From November 1st to March 31st, open from Tuesday to Sunday, 08:30 – 16:30; from April 1st to October 31st, open from Tuesday to Sunday, 08:30 – 17:00; closed all day on Monday throughout the year; open from 08:30 – 16:30 on New Year’s Day and Spring Festival; open from 08:30 – 17:00 on Tomb Sweeping Day, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day.
