Palace of Celestial Favor (Chengqiangong)
The Palace of Celestial Favor lies among the Six Eastern Palaces in the Forbidden City. Being the residence for concubines from 1420 to 1911, this palace is most well-known for witnessing the love between Imperial Noble Consort Dong'e (1639~1660) and Emperor Shunzhi (1638~1661).
Built in 1420 as a two-courtyard complex for emperor's concubines to live, the Palace of Celestial Favor was initially named "Eternal Peace" and renamed in 1632.
It retained its name Celestial Favor after the Qing court occupied the Forbidden City in 1644. In 1655, the Palace underwent a significant renovation, maintaining its original layout with minor interior adjustments, and continuing to be concubines' palace till 1911.
Since 1958, the Palace of Celestial Favor has transformed into the Bronze Ware Gallery of the Forbidden City, displaying 129 bronze artifacts spanning thousands of years. These artifacts are categorized into four themes: ceremonial, military, musical, and daily life and production. Currently closed for renovations since 2021, it's set to reopen in 2027 with a fresh look.
The Palace of Celestial Favor consists of a front hall and a back hall. The five-room front hall is paved with yellow glazed tiles, and adorned with five animal statuettes. The roof beams are painted with colorful dragon and phoenix images.
On the east and west sides of the front hall, three-room side halls flank the hall, with the roof beams decorated with a swirling pattern of flowers. Similar to the front hall layout, the back hall boasts an extra well on the southwest.
In the Palace of Celestial Favor's courtyard, there's an old pear tree from mid-17th century. Every April, the tree is covered with white blossoms, looking delightful with the red walls and yellow roofs. It's a must-visit spot for spring photos in the Forbidden City.
Noble Consort Tian (1611~1642) was deeply loved by Emperor Chongzhen. In 1632, Chongzhen renamed the Palace of Eternal Peace as "Celestial Favor" for her, symbolizing her favor not only of the emperor but also of the heaven.
Tian was renowned for her beauty and versatility. She played an ancient seven-stringed instrument with elegance, and excelled in floral painting, horse riding, archery, chess, and calligraphy. Her kindness extended to her maids, who were often adorned by her with stylish hairpins and accessories, making them the envy of others.
Unfortunately, in 1642, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her son and eventually passed away in the Palace of Celestial Favor.
Dong'e entered the palace in 1656 and become an imperial noble consort in a year, a quick status raise rare in history. In 1657, she gave birth to a son who passed away just three months later. Devastate by the loss, she gravely ill and died in the Palace of Celestial Favor at the age of 22.
Emperor Shunzhi was deeply affected. He ordered 30 eunuchs and maidservants to accompany Dong'e in death and penned many moving poems. Overwhelmed with sorrow, he even contemplated suicide many times. A year later, he passed away to follow Dong'e.
Empress Xiaoyiren, favored by Emperor Kangxi and known for her virtues and devoted care for imperial children, was promoted to imperial noble consort in 1678. In 1689, as she lay dying, to encourage her to get better, the emperor elevated her to empress. But sadly, she passed away the next day, reigning for just a single day.
Wan, one of the longest-lived concubines, reached an impressive 92 years old. Unlike other concubines seeking to elevate status through Emperor Qianlong's favor and bearing his children, Wan was less cherished by him and childless, allowing her to avoid palace rivalries and achieve her remarkable longevity with a peaceful mind.
In this empress's title "Xiaoquancheng", "Quan" means both talented and beautiful, which is how Emperor Daoguang saw her and why he loved her deeply. She was great at embroidery, poetry, and calligraphy, and even created a popular word puzzle game using wooden pieces to form lucky characters. While history says she died of illness, it rumored that her talent was really what got her into trouble.
For Empress Dowager's (emperor's mother) 60th birthday, Xiaoquancheng wrote a poem to celebrate. But the Empress Dowager thought she was just showing off, and got mad. Without knowing, Xiaoquancheng drank poisoned wine given by the Empress Dowager and died.
Generally, the Palace of Celestial Favor belonged to high-ranking concubines favored by emperors. However, as the Qing Dynasty declined in the 19th century, it also housed lower-ranking concubines. For example, Empress Xiaoquancheng shared the palace with Noble Lady Jia (1817~1890). By Emperor Xianfeng's reign, it had become a home for ordinary concubines.
History
Built in 1420 as a two-courtyard complex for emperor's concubines to live, the Palace of Celestial Favor was initially named "Eternal Peace" and renamed in 1632.
It retained its name Celestial Favor after the Qing court occupied the Forbidden City in 1644. In 1655, the Palace underwent a significant renovation, maintaining its original layout with minor interior adjustments, and continuing to be concubines' palace till 1911.
Since 1958, the Palace of Celestial Favor has transformed into the Bronze Ware Gallery of the Forbidden City, displaying 129 bronze artifacts spanning thousands of years. These artifacts are categorized into four themes: ceremonial, military, musical, and daily life and production. Currently closed for renovations since 2021, it's set to reopen in 2027 with a fresh look.
What to See about the Palace of Celestial Favor?
 |
| Gate of Celestial Favor |
The Palace of Celestial Favor consists of a front hall and a back hall. The five-room front hall is paved with yellow glazed tiles, and adorned with five animal statuettes. The roof beams are painted with colorful dragon and phoenix images.
On the east and west sides of the front hall, three-room side halls flank the hall, with the roof beams decorated with a swirling pattern of flowers. Similar to the front hall layout, the back hall boasts an extra well on the southwest.
In the Palace of Celestial Favor's courtyard, there's an old pear tree from mid-17th century. Every April, the tree is covered with white blossoms, looking delightful with the red walls and yellow roofs. It's a must-visit spot for spring photos in the Forbidden City.
Who Lived in the Palace of Celestial Favor?
Noble Consort Tian: So Beloved that Had Emperor Renamed the Palace
Noble Consort Tian (1611~1642) was deeply loved by Emperor Chongzhen. In 1632, Chongzhen renamed the Palace of Eternal Peace as "Celestial Favor" for her, symbolizing her favor not only of the emperor but also of the heaven.
Tian was renowned for her beauty and versatility. She played an ancient seven-stringed instrument with elegance, and excelled in floral painting, horse riding, archery, chess, and calligraphy. Her kindness extended to her maids, who were often adorned by her with stylish hairpins and accessories, making them the envy of others.
Unfortunately, in 1642, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her son and eventually passed away in the Palace of Celestial Favor.
Imperial Noble Consort Dong'e: Tragic Tale with Emperor Shunzhi
Dong'e entered the palace in 1656 and become an imperial noble consort in a year, a quick status raise rare in history. In 1657, she gave birth to a son who passed away just three months later. Devastate by the loss, she gravely ill and died in the Palace of Celestial Favor at the age of 22.
Emperor Shunzhi was deeply affected. He ordered 30 eunuchs and maidservants to accompany Dong'e in death and penned many moving poems. Overwhelmed with sorrow, he even contemplated suicide many times. A year later, he passed away to follow Dong'e.
Empress Xiaoyiren: The One-Day Empress
Empress Xiaoyiren, favored by Emperor Kangxi and known for her virtues and devoted care for imperial children, was promoted to imperial noble consort in 1678. In 1689, as she lay dying, to encourage her to get better, the emperor elevated her to empress. But sadly, she passed away the next day, reigning for just a single day.
Concubine Wan: Childless & Long-lived
Wan, one of the longest-lived concubines, reached an impressive 92 years old. Unlike other concubines seeking to elevate status through Emperor Qianlong's favor and bearing his children, Wan was less cherished by him and childless, allowing her to avoid palace rivalries and achieve her remarkable longevity with a peaceful mind.
Empress Xiaoquancheng: A Talented Life Cut Short
In this empress's title "Xiaoquancheng", "Quan" means both talented and beautiful, which is how Emperor Daoguang saw her and why he loved her deeply. She was great at embroidery, poetry, and calligraphy, and even created a popular word puzzle game using wooden pieces to form lucky characters. While history says she died of illness, it rumored that her talent was really what got her into trouble.
For Empress Dowager's (emperor's mother) 60th birthday, Xiaoquancheng wrote a poem to celebrate. But the Empress Dowager thought she was just showing off, and got mad. Without knowing, Xiaoquancheng drank poisoned wine given by the Empress Dowager and died.
Other Concubines in the Palace of Celestial Favor
Generally, the Palace of Celestial Favor belonged to high-ranking concubines favored by emperors. However, as the Qing Dynasty declined in the 19th century, it also housed lower-ranking concubines. For example, Empress Xiaoquancheng shared the palace with Noble Lady Jia (1817~1890). By Emperor Xianfeng's reign, it had become a home for ordinary concubines.
See more Six Eastern Palaces
- Last updated on Oct. 15, 2025 by Jally Zhang -