Dongliugong,(
The Six Eastern Palaces), consists of Jingrengong (Palace of Great
Benevolence), Chengqiangong (Palace of Celestial Favour), Yonghegong
(Palace of Eternal Harmony), Jingyanggong (Palace of Great Brilliance),
Zhongcuigong (Palace of Purity) and Yanxigong (Palace of Lasting
Happiness).
The palace complex stands on the east side of the Inner Court.
These buildings also provided living quarters for the imperial concubines
and a majority were restored during the 17th century. Now most of
the palaces have been turned into exhibition halls for the display
of Chinese treasures collected by the imperial family.
Jingrengong (Palace of Great Benevolence) houses an exhibition
of more than five hundred ancient Chinese bronzes. Two other halls,
namely Zhaigong and Chengsudian also have displays of magnificent
bronzes.
Chengqiangong (Palace of Celestial Favour) and Yonghegong (Palace
of Eternal Harmony), are now the Pottery and Porcelain Exhibition
Halls. Here visitors will find an impressive display of pottery
and porcelain dating from the Neolithic Age through to the Qing
dynasty.
Jingyanggong (Palace of Great Brilliance) houses the Ming and Qing
Crafts Exhibition and here lacquer wares, items of jade, stoneware,
glassware and metal wares created during these dynasties are displayed.
Zhongcuigong (Palace of Purity) was the palace where the crown
prince lived during the Ming dynasty.
After you have completed your tour of sites in this section, go
north to
Imperial Garden (Yuhuayuan).