The Southern Song Imperial Palace, nestled at the foot of Fenghuang Mountain, stretches from the northern Fengshan Gate, extends to Wansong Ridge in the west, reaches Houchaomen in the east, and is bordered by the Qiantang River to the south. Spanning an area of nine miles, the palace complex is adorned with various palaces, including Wende, Chuigong, and Cining, as well as the Longtu Pavilion. The rear garden boasts a variety of halls such as Zhongmei, Cuihan, Yigu, and Mingyuan, and also encompasses a ‘Small West Lake’ that spans over ten acres, serving as a leisurely retreat for the emperor and his consorts.
Following the collapse of the Southern Song Dynasty, the Fengshan Imperial Palace was initially repurposed as a Buddhist temple before succumbing to a fire that left only vestiges of its former grandeur. These remnants, such as the Paiya Stone inscribed by Qian Miao, the cliff inscription of ‘Loyal’ by Emperor Gaozong Zhao Gou, the ruins of Shengguo Temple, and the moon-viewing scenic spot Yueyan, serve as poignant reminders of the past and invite reflection and contemplation.
The historical site welcomes visitors throughout the year, with operating hours from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
