Location & How to Get There
Xianfu Palace sits inside the Forbidden City in Beijing, at No. 4 Jingshan Front Street in Dongcheng District. To reach it, enter through the Meridian Gate (the main entrance of the Forbidden City) and walk straight toward Taihe Hall. Keep going past Hall of Supreme Harmony and turn left when you see signs for the West Six Palaces. Xianfu Palace is tucked beside Yongle Palace, making it a quieter spot compared to the busier central halls.
By metro: Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station, then walk 10 minutes to the Forbidden City’s entrance. Buses like No. 2 or 124 drop you near Nanchizi Street, a short walk away.
Natural Scenery
Though Xianfu Palace is a historic building, its courtyard offers a peek into traditional Chinese garden design. Look for ancient cypress trees framing the rooftops, and in autumn, the golden ginko leaves outside its walls add a pop of color. During winter snowfalls, the red walls and yellow tiles contrast beautifully with white snow—a perfect spot for photos!
Cultural & Historical Vibes
Xianfu Palace dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and was originally called Shou’an Palace. Emperor Jiajing renamed it in 1535, and later, Qianlong (1711–1799) used it as a temporary home. After his death, his son Jiaqing lived here while mourning—a traditional practice.
The palace has two main parts: the front hall for ceremonies and the back hall for sleeping. Unlike other palaces, Xianfu wasn’t just for empresses; even emperors stayed here! Today, it holds exhibits on Qing Dynasty royal life, including furniture, paintings, and dishes. You’ll see how royal families balanced luxury and tradition.
Practical Amenities
Inside the Forbidden City, you’ll find restrooms and benches near Xianfu Palace. Bring water, though—there are no cafes here. For snacks, head to Palace Museum Restaurants near Taihe Hall. If you forget your phone charger, rent a portable charger from kiosks near the entrance.
Visiting Tips
Go early! The Forbidden City opens at 8:30 AM, and Xianfu Palace gets crowded by noon. English-guided tours stop here, so listen for headsets if you want deeper stories. For photos, stand at the courtyard’s center and zoom in on the intricate wooden carvings. Avoid weekdays for fewer crowds.
Fun fact: Xianfu Palace hosted calligraphy classes for royal kids! Today, you can try brush-writing at nearby workshops.
Xianfu Palace isn’t as famous as the Forbidden City’s main halls, but that’s why it’s special—peaceful, packed with stories, and perfect for escaping tourist crowds.
