Imperial Concubine Zhen’s Well is located inside the Zhen Shun Gate at the northern end of the Ning Shou Palace. Originally an ordinary nameless well within the palace, it has become infamous due to its tragic connection with the fate of Imperial Concubine Zhen. She was a favored concubine of Emperor Guangxu, who favored her over Empress Longyu, the niece of Empress Dowager Cixi. As a result, Concubine Zhen was banished to the cold palace by Empress Dowager Cixi.
In 1900, during the invasion of Beijing by the Eight-Nation Alliance, Empress Dowager Cixi, in her haste to flee, ordered eunuchs to throw Concubine Zhen into this well, leading to her drowning. The following year, upon returning to Beijing, Concubine Zhen was posthumously honored as a noble consort, and her family was permitted to retrieve and bury her remains. The well has since been abandoned, with a well cap stone placed on top and secured with iron bars. The site is open all year round, with full-day access. For specific visiting hours, please inquire with the scenic area.
