Six Eastern Palaces

As the counterpart of the Six Western Palaces, the Six Eastern Palaces was also the residence of the emperor's wives. The six courtyards are neatly arranged on the east side of the three main halls in the Inner Court. It consists of Jingren Gong (Palace of Great Benevolence), Chengqian Gong (Palace of Heavenly Favor), Zhongcui Gong (Palace of Purity), Yanxi Gong (Palace of Lasting Happiness), Yonghe Gong (Palace of Eternal Harmony), Jingyang Gong (Palace of Great Brilliance). They all now serve as exhibition halls to exhibit collections of a certain kind.

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.

Yanxi Gong (Palace of Lasting Happiness) was rebuilt in 1931 as a storeroom. It is the only modern building made of armored concrete in the Forbidden City. Devotees of calligraphy will appreciate the works on display here. Also on exhibition here are numerous ceramic articles.

Chengqian Gong (Palace of Heavenly Favor) was at a time the harem of Dong Xiao'e, a beloved concubine of Emperor Shunzhi (the first emperor of the Qing Dynasty). This palace is now an exhibit hall for a large number of bronze wares. 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.