沈阳故宫英语导游词 Shenyang Imperial Palace

Shenyang Imperial Palace
Tour guide：Ellie 一、On the way to Shenyang Imperial Palace
去故宫的路上
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Many people know the imperial palace called Beijing imperial palace is located in the Forbidden City of our glorious capital Beijing . They are emperors‟palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. However ,there is another imperial palace in Shenyang , the capital city of Liaoning province in northeast of china , and it was famous around the world for its unique Manchu architectural features . These two imperial palaces constitute one of the world heritage project , imperial palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Shenyang Imperial Palace is one of the well –preserved imperial palace in China, which experienced 400-yeaes baptism（['bæptizəm] n. 洗礼；严峻考验）witnessd the glory of the periods of Nu‟erhachi and his son Huangtaiji. Today I‟ll show you around this famous senic spot.
二、Dismount Stele: out of the park 下马碑（故宫西门停车场门外）
Dismount Stele is the symbolized architecture of the palace , tomb ,etc . it warned the people to dismount the horse and walk . The dinsmount stele is 4meters high , 1 meter wide carved clouds patterns. The words “ Princes and officials dismount the horses here”.these words were carved in Manchu ,Mongolian and han languages . the mogolian is in the middle , the Han language is on the left, and mogolian language is on the right . according to the system o f the Qing Dynasty , officials who entered imperial Palace must dismount the horse to show their respects to imperial power.
三、Wende Gateway and Wugong Gateway
文德坊和武功坊
Before reaching the front gate of Shenyang Imperial Palace ,the first catching your eyes are two gateways standing across the street . This one before us is Wende Gateway , and 100 meters away is another one Wugong Gateway . They are symmetrical([si'metrikəl] adj. 匀称的，对称的) and have the same pattern. In China ,Gateway was the symbolic architecture built in
palace ,tomb ,temple ,etc . They always made of wood or stone carving . Wende gateway and Wugong gateway all made of wood , they are the landmarks in front of the Imperial Palace and the access to royal court.
四、musical stand in front of the Daqing Gate
大清门前的奏乐亭
They were constructed for palying music when emperor came and went.
五、Daqing Gate : ticket office and ticket entrance /check in
大清门售票处和检票口
Daqing Gate is the portal of Shenyang Imperial Palace . It wide as 5 rooms ,there are 3 fixed doors in the middle of Daqing Gate . Stone steps in the back and front were used only for the emperor and senior officials . Other people entered through the small gates on two sides. portal of the palace has the same name with the empire ,called Daqing, it was built from 1627 to 1636.It was not too elegant ,but the symbol of imperial palace , it was decorate beautifully and brightly . so there is a good place to take a photo. 六、micro landscape 、simulation land table 微缩景观/模拟沙盘
Guide map 导览图
Now, we can have a full view of Shenyang imperial palace from the micro landscape / simulation land table/ Guide map.
The imperial palace in Shenyang was first built by nuerhachi in 1625,when he moved the capital of Late Jin to Shenyang city . after the capital was moved to Beijing , Emperor Kangxi ,qianlong ,jiaqing ,daoguang came back to offer sacrifices to their ancestors … tombs for totally ten times . they all lived in Shenyang Imperial Palace for a short time , and increased some new buildings . the whole complex of buildings covers a total area of over 60,000 squre meters, consisting of more than 300 rooms . According to the historical stages of architecture and locations ,it can be devided into 3 sections: the eastern section, the middle section and the western section. Each section boasts of unique characteristics. The eastern section contains the very impressive Dazheng Hall and ten pavilions. The middle section was constructed in 1636 , the reign of nuerhachi …s son huangtaiji ,this section starts from the Da Qing Gate, with Chong Zheng Hall, the Phoenix Tower and Qingning Palacearranged on a central axis from south to north. The western section was constructed by order of Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799). Its main
structure is the Wen Su Pavilion. In front of this, there are Jiayin Hall ,eastern and western corridors, performing Stage and opera makeup and preparation rooms.
七、Chongzheng Hall 崇政殿
Upon entering the Daqing Gate and continuing northward ,we will find the Chongzheng Hall . wide courtyard in front of the hall was the site where princes and senior officials were lined when ceremony was held . Ancient Chinese palaces were usually made up of inner and outer areas. The outer hall area was for the emperor to deal with government affairs ,and for the holding of celebratory ceremonies. Chongzheng Hall is the center of the outer hall area in the Imperial Palace of Shenyang. Chongzheng Hall is means a hall of respect for supreme Government . During the reign of Huangtaiji ,Chongzheng Hall is the most frequently used architecture .Besides discussing state affairs the banquets for receiving foreign ministers and Mongolian noblemen ,and the engagement ceremonies of prince and princess were held as well.
Huangtaiji is the eight son of nuerhachi , he went out for battles with his father and brothers when he was young m and served with distinctions in wars time and again in his younthful days , Because of these , Huangtaiji become one of four pioneering Beiles. Afte his death , he was elected Khan , and accomplished reconstruction of palace . In 1635 , he changed the race title Nvzhen into Manchuria . And in the year ensuing(次年) , he changed the title of reigning dynasty Great Jin into Great Qing . the ceremony of change race title and reigning dynasty all held in Chongzheng Hall .
Anybody has gone to Beijing forbidden city ? yeah , Do you remember the Hall of supreme Harmony in Beijing imperial palace ?/ yeah , it‟s a pity , but I hope you will have chance to visit our glorious capital . in terms of function , Chongzheng Hall is similar to the Hall of supreme Harmony in the forbidden city of Beijing , though quite different in size . Compare with supreme Harmony Hall ,11 rooms building on it‟s white marble platform ,the Chongzheng Hall has only 5 rooms and 1 meters high brick platform . It has direct relationship with the empire …s ruling area , economic and culture development of that time .yet , Chongzheng Hall has it‟s own particular features and unique artistic appeal , which sets it apart from other palace structure .
Now , please pay attention to the Chongzheng Hall. the roof of Chongzheng Hall are coverd with glazed tiles with the center painted yellow
and the rims ,green, unique to the Shenyang palace complex. The reason is Manchu are nomatic and hunting people, their ancestor lived in grassland and mountain , so they use green color to symbolize grassland，and express their miss of ancestor and hometown .
Besides that , there are many characters ,for example ,the black double –lotus stone at the base ,the animal –mask design resembling those in Dazheng Hall , the columns dragons as if flying from the hall , are all symbols of wealth and nobility .
Now , let‟s see the inner display of Chongzheng Hall . Inside Chongzheng Hall , all the exposed wooden structures were painted or carved with dragon design . This , plus the blue sky and white clouds painted on the ceilings (天花板) in between the beams（横梁）, added to the innovativeness（创造性）, making it full of imagination . The throne , screens ,enamel ware articles presently in palace are not the original ones , but have been redesigned , modeled on Qianqing palace by the order of emperor Qianlong in 1747 . Couplets hung on the columns were made according to the calligraphy written by Emperor Qianlong , who was good at calligraphy and writing poem。

In front of the Hall , you will see a pair of kylin, we also call it unicorn. in Chinese legend, kylin was one of dragon‟ s son , and it can bring fortune and lucky to human beings .
On the platform , two ancient equipments were put on it , stone corona in the east is the ancient clock .it can calculate time according to the shadow left by the sun on the round dial record . In the west is Jialiang , it is a kind of measurement container . They were put here to symbolize the unity of country in terms of time and space . in order to make the kylin can be seen by our descendants, I suggest today we don‟t touch it , just have a photo with it,ok ? yeah , now we are protecting!
八、Feilong Pavilion and Xiangfeng Pavilion Shengjing Temple of imperial Ancestors
飞龙阁、翔凤阁、太庙
At two sides of the Chongzheng Hall , there are two pavilions with the same patterns : Feilong pavilion in the east and Xiangfeng Pavilion in the wast . Now , few people kow these two common building are ever royal treasure house . they are ever contained imperial articles for displaying , including jade articles , porcelains ,lacquer works ,enamel works ,gold and silver wares , sculpture made with bamboo, wood ,ivory and oxhorn , calligraphies and paintings and so on .
Shengjing Temple of imperial Ancestors is a place where the ancestors
of Qing emperors were enshrined and worshipped , which was constructed in 1781 .
九、Auxiliary palaces constructed in the 18th century
18世纪增建的行宫宫殿
Dongsuo—temporary palace of emperor‟s mother
After the capital was moved to Beijing , the emperors no longer lived in Shenyang Imperial Palace , but when emperors visited the northeast and offered the sacrifice to their ancestors ,they will still live here for a short time . They don‟t live in the old palaces out of respect ,but constructed some simple auxiliary palaces as their temporary living site on two sides of old ones .so , this small group palaces is called Dongsuo , connected with Xisuo they are symmetrical , and they all auxiliary palaces constructed in the 18th century . Dongsuo is the temporary palace of emperor‟s mother .every morning ,emperor and his concubines will come here and say good morning to his mother ,show their greetings.
十、eastern section 东路
Upon entering the eastern gate , we will get the east section . it was component by the towering Dazheng Hall and the Shiwang pavilions . The eastern section is the earliest part of Shenyang Imperial Palace .It was constructed after nuerhachi moved the capital from Lliaoyang to Shenyang in 1625 ,till 1626 , the preliminary construction was completed .nuerhachi , his family name is Aixinjueluo. In the late Ming Dynastiy , Nuerhachi was born in a chieftain‟s family of Nvzhen race . His mather was dead when he was young , and he lived on hunting . In 1583, nuerhachi …s father and grandfather were innocently killed by Ming Army. Nuerhachi revenged (复仇) on the enemy,relying on his family‟s left 13 armors . By his over 30 –year efforts, disassociated Nuzhen races were almost united . During this period , the national word was established , and the eight banners system was formed as well . in 1616 , a new local authority (政权) called Great Jin was established in Xinbin Manchu Autonomous Country in Liaoning province , and Nuerhachi was elected Khan . in 1625 , the capital was moved to shenyang , and new palace was built . in the next autuman , nuerhachi passed away at the age of 68 . His son huangtaiji succeed to the throne. Nuerhachi was posthumously conferred “ Qing tasi tsu ”, and was buried in Fuling , located in the east of Shenyang .
Dazheng Hall , it‟s meaning grand government , shiwang pavilions also called Eight Banners Pavilions. Before the capital was moved to Beijing ,national large-scale ceremonies were usually held here .such as the
annual ceremony celebrating the founding of Great Qing Dynasty ,it is the first day of first month in the lunar calendar ). On the day , the emperor would come down to the hall , after paying homage(尊敬)to the ancestors , he would held a banquet and received greetings from civilian(平民)and military officials as well as foreign envoys before a grand banquet .At the banquet , the guests would feast their eyes on dance and acrobatic performances by Manchu ,Han ,Mongolian and Korean artists. The performance would last for several days on end .
The most remarkable architecture is Dazheng Hall ,it located at the center of eastern section , it is shaped like a pavilion with octagonal double-eaves . the hall is nearly 21 meters high with a two –meter –high color-glazed top , like that of a Buddhist pagoda .
The colored glazed tee/ball on the top of the hall symbolizes beauty and fortunate,. there is a colored glazed warrior on each of the eight ridges next to the roof .Eight warriors are just like drafting the rope to reinforce the tee, ugh they have different postures. Under the roof ,the carbel brackets and decorative paintings produce an elegant and divine atmosphere.
The golden dragons on the columns outside the southern gate of the hall are decorative . Their heads held out and clows extended as if fighting over the ball of fire between them .on the offside of each column‟s top , there is an animal figure . It is said that it‟s a kind of magical animal used in traditional Tibetan Buddhist architecture , and can bring well-being. A 1.5 meters high brick-stone Buddha-shaped base is located in the under part of the hall . There are stone steps on four sides of the hall , and the middle road in front of the south gate was only for emperor use . therefore , a lot of stone articles carved dragon , animals and plants are decorated.
Inside the hall , there are eight columns decorated with golden painted dragons ,and at the center is the golden painted wood engraved dragon caisson(藻井) .the surrounding decorative paintings are formed with patterns of dragon , phoenix , Chinese characters and Sanskrit . At the center of the floor , there are throne and screen used by emperors . The tablet with golden characters and couplets are written by Emperor Qianlong .
On both sides of Dazheng Hall are five square pavilions , with those on the east sides named the Left-wing King pavilion , the Bordered Yellow Banner Pavilion , the White Banner Pavilion , the Bordered White Banner Pavilion and the Blue Banner Pavilion , and those on the west sides named the Right-wing Pavilion , the Yellow Banner Pavilion , the Red Banner Pavilion , the Bordered Red banner Pavilion and the Brodered Blue Banner Pavilion . They were popularly known as the “ Ten Prince Pavilions ” The pavilion were closely associated with the Eight Banner System of the Qing Dynasty .Eight Banner was not only a military organization , if there was no fighting , their soldiers came back home to do farm work . So Eight Banner was a social organization integrating military , administration and production . Each
pavilion belonged to one banner .When the large-scale ceremony was held , soldiers from eight troops stood in front of their own pavilions to be reviewed by the emperor . In normal times , these pavilions were the sites where the officials on duty dealt with affairs . the left and right wing prince pavilions were the place where princes who lead banner gathered . These pavilion are all in the form similar to tents, and show Manchu political characters , They form an architectural layout unique to the nomadic ethnic groups.
The southeast two pavilion with 2 meters high base are Musical Stands ,When the large-scale ceremonies were held , the music player played music here.
Behind the Dazheng Hall , there are houses lined up , they called Imperial Carriage Warehouse, they were constructed for storing musical instruments .
十二、Back Garden 新建的后花园
In order to convenient for our tour guests visit Shenyang Imperial Palace , the management center of Shenyang Imperial Palace built a new park after the old complex of buildings in 1987. Now we can through this park and go to the residence area in the middle section . there was the home of emperor huangtaiji .
On the right of this path , there have path and small store. On our left you will see a high platform, can you guess it‟s height ? 3.8 meters high . and all the residence of emperor on the high platform ? Dose it interesting ? Do you know why ? I will tell you . According to architectural tradition of the Manchu , when they lived in mountains , the residence of tribe chief was constructed on the highest land convenient for defending and watching . In the early time after they moved to the plain , they were still affected by this custom and built residence of emperors and empresses on a platform . But the halls where emperors executed state affairs were built on the ground . It reflect conspicuous cultural differences compared with Beijing Imperial Palace. People consider it as the unique feature of Shenyang Imperial Palace. 十三、Residence Area in the central section 中路的寝宫区域
Chimney 大烟囱
After walk through the stone steps , we are arriving the residence area of emperors Huangtaiji , its also inner court. Firstly , we will see a big chimney made of adobe(土砖，砖坯) and bricks .It connected with funnel inside the beds ,and we will find the fire ground hole later . Under the chimney ,there is funnel .They all heating system . since at that time there had no air-conditioning.(空调). This chimney was the highest one at that time. In
Chines e, the sound of chimney …tong‟ is same as that of unity.
In early Qing Dynasty, the construction style was summed up like this: pocket-like house, zigzag bed and chimney sitting on the ground. We have seen the chimey, and then we will see the zigzag bed and bag-like house soon.
The palace On our right side is a small accompanied palace , it was the palace for Emperor Huangtaiji ‟s concubines with low status . they are not patrician(尊贵).now this palace is used for picture show of Sanmanism.
Now we‟ve arrived inner court , before us , there are six great buildings . the high building is the Phoenix Tower, and other five palaces were Emperor Huangtaiji‟s empress and patrician concubines harem(闺房，卧室)。

Huangtaiji had one empress and 14 emperial concubines . His empress lived in Qingning Palace, his four famous concubines lived in these four palace . other 10 concubines live in small accompanied palace.
When we faced north , the palace before us is Qingning Palace,it located the center of this area, Huangtaiji and his empress lived here, so it‟s the core of the whole palace.
Qingning Palace清宁宫
Qingning Palaceis the model of traditional residence of the Manchu people .the first characteristic : doors of the five rooms of Qingning Palacewere not open at the center , as those of the Han house had , instead, they were opened at the room slightly on the eastern half ,besides that , the door is narrow and there were no dividing walls in another rooms of the west half . This layout looked like our people‟pocket,so we call it “pocket-like house”, it‟s function was enlarge indoor space, and kept warm in winter .
Ok , let‟s have it‟s inside view . after we come in the door , we will find a big bed , of course it‟s not a bed for sleeping . it‟s a chopping board for killing pig. It‟s amazed!Why kill pig in empress‟s palace?
Now , we have to talk about Sacrifice Activities of Manchu , and this is the Qngning Temple ‟another important function. Since Manchu clan society , the ancestors of Manchu had a belief customs, it was Sanmanism . Sanmanism was an original religion which believe that everything on earth has its soul . so Qingning Palacewas not only for giving important guests banquets , but also for sacrifice activities . The sacrifice was called ancestor and gods worship . The process was complex . Saman presided (主持) over the sacrifice .he was considered the envoys who could communicate between gods and human beings . In the sacrifice , sanman put on miraculous (神奇的)hat , wore miraculous dress , waist bell and caught a miraculous knife and drum . the process of the whole sacrifice was first putting altar (祭坛)wares , cakes , wine and other offerings on the credence in front of the western Kang (bed), then was the pig-killing sacrifice . They would choose a male black pig with no other colored fur , and no illnedd . then the pig was put
on the chopping board with legs tied . Saman poured the wine or cold water into pig‟s ear . if the pig shook it‟s head , it means the gods had accepted it . if the pig didn‟t shake the head , shaman must continue to pour , or change another pig until it shook the head , After that , the Pig was killed then boiled , the pots and kitchen stoves were used for boiling . after the meat was cooked , attendees ate the meat on the wooden plates with small knife they brought , emperor sit on the north bed , and princes and officials sit in south bed .And all the attendees beleved the meat was bestowed by gods , so they call it “fortunate meat ”.
This sacrifice was important for Manchu people, therefore , after the Qing Dynasty entered into shanhaiguan pass ,emperors held it in the palace of Beijing as well , and it lasted for 280 years. Now we can find the zigzag beds, made of mud and brick and with fire and smoke tunnels were called …kang‟ in Chinese and were made along the south, west and north house walls. In order to get heat and keep room warm in winter. This was the early stage of underground heating system. The Qingning Palaceinside is devided into two parts:4 rooms on the west serving the dailylife of emperor and empress, emperor would called few officials to discuss state affirs , and held sacrifice. One room on the east side was the living room of emperor and empress. In order to protect the relics , the door of living room is locked . but we can have a view from the window . this is fire ground hole , kang (bed)located besides the window . according to the historical book , on the ninth day of lunar August in 1643,Taizong , Huangtaiji passed away in this room at his age of 52 , then he was buried in Zhaoling , located in north of Shenyang . we will visit it tomorrow.
Suolun pole / holy pole 索伦杆
Now notice the pole standing right in the middle of the courtyard . this red pole is called suolun pole . a tin bowl was set on the top of the column .it was also called “miraculous column” . the bowl was a container filled with food for feeding crows. Is was said that nuerhachi was saved by crows , so Manchu people believe crows is sacred. but in Chinese crow are regarded as birds bring bade luck .
Accompanied Palaces – imperial concubines ’ sitting room
配宫皇妃们的居室
Emperor Huangtaiji have four famous imperial concubines :Concubine Chen, who lived in east palace , Guanju Place ;Concubines Gui,who lived in west Palace , Linzhi palace ; Concubine Shu , who lived in the second east palace ,yanqing Palace ; and Concubines Zhuang , who lived in the second
west palace , Yongfu Palace . These four palaces were constructed with nearly the same architectural pattern and decoration , and the heatable beds were inside the rooms.
Manchu people had the custom of plural marriage and generational marriage, so the empress of huangtaiji was is the aunt of the concubine chen and zhuang .concubine chen is the elder sister of concubine zhuang , they all relatives.
Usually ,emperor and empreee lived in the Qingning Palace, if the emperor wanted to live with another concubine , he would go to her harem/chamber . the concubines who was most loved by huangtaiji is concubian ‟Chen, her name is Hailanzhu. Since she was favored by huangtaiji, so her status was only low than empress . Let‟s visit her chamber, there we will see her Portrait. In legends ,her was the fist beauty among manchu and mogolian people . Do you disappointed ? take it easy , it just the portrait, not the photo ,maybe is distortion , or maybe our modern people have different aesthetic with manchu‟s ancestors . In this palace, the outer room was used for accepting guests and other daily activities. Two big pot not was used for cooking , but used for boiling water . the steam could made the house have more heat and moisture .the inner room was called “warm house ”, it was the site where host of the palaxe lived . Cradle hung by the beam was used for the baby of concubine Chen. Off course it is a reproduction.
After visit The East Palace, we will visit the second west palace , it was lived by concubine zhuang and his son Fulin , who was the third emperor of Qing dynasty , so his mother zhuang was the empress dowager Xiaozhuang . The palace exhibit two portraitsof concubine Zhuang and his son fulin . Fulin was Huangtaiji‟s ninth son , in 1643 , after his father …s dewath , in September ,he succeed the throne in 6 years old . The enthronement was held in Dazheng Hall . since Fulin is young , his uncle Prince Rui, Duoergun and Prince Zheng jierhalang assisted him in governing the country , Fulin passed away at his age of 24 in 1661 died of smallpox. he was posthumously in xiaoling , located in Zunhua of Hebei province. After his dead , his third son xuanye, succeeded the throne , to be the emperor Kangxi .
Phoenix Pavilion---Gate of the inner court
凤凰楼内宫功区域的门户
The gate of this imperial palace castle is the Phoenix Pavilionat the center of the southern part of the high platform . the access to the inner court is on the down floor . tf the door was closed , residence of the emperors san empres was just like a forbidding castle on the platform . therefore , the function of the Phoenix Pavilionis just like a gateway built on the high platform .
During the reign of Huangtaiji , the phoenix Pavillion was the site where
emperors and their concubines viewed and enjoyed the cool in summer . According to the record , taizong had ever convened(召开)princes and officials to read books and give speech here . in the Qing Dynasty , the Phoenix Pavilionwas the highest the most beautiful buildings in Shenyang . the Phoenix Pavilioncould be seen from all the locations in the city .emperors would enjoy the view of the whole city on the third floor of Phoenix Pavilion, and indite poems here .
From the reign of emperor Qianlong ,the Phoenix Pavilionwas used for preserving some important imperial relics as well . there were historical records of the Qing Dynasty , emperor‟s portrait and imperial seals .
Now , let‟s through the gateway , and across the threshold . you can count the numbers of steps , how many steps it have ? 24 steps are in front and symbolize 24 solar terms in lunar calendar , pray for peace and happiness all the year . stand the courtyard before the Phoenix Pavilion, there is a good position for taking a photograph .
十四、Xisuo – Temporary palaces of emperor’s concubines
西所-皇帝后妃们的临时宫殿
In fact , tour guide general doesn‟t guide their guests to Xisuo , but I think there have a building is my favorite . so I want to share it with all of you .
The auxiliary palace on the Western side of Chongzheng Hall was the palace of emperors and their concubines when they visited the northeast , and was called “Xisuo”.
Xisuo takes the same area with Dong suo , and they have nearly the same structure , there are three duty rooms on each of the two sides in the first courtyard , cabinet(内阁) and ministers who came back to Shenyang with emperors handled official business here .After entering the flora-pendent Gate , there is a palace in the middle second pattern with Yihe Hall . it is Diguang Hall . inside it there are throne and screen .，they are lacquer . emperors executed affairs and read documents when they live in Shenyang auxiliary palace .
The eastern room in Baoji Palace was emperor ‟bedroom , and the western room was the site where he read and called in officials .According to the historical books , emperor often called in senior local officials to understand government affairs of frontier defense and national public fellings to show his caring and attention to the northeast area .
Lying several meters to the north of the Baoji Palace is a small but unique architecture called jisi house .it‟s plan is nearly square , and the roof is special . Looking from the side , it looks like three connected triangles . Structure inside the house is special as well . it is divided into 9 rooms with the walls in shape of Chinese character “井“. They are connected in different。