The Palace of Earthly Honor (Yikun Palace) sits in the Forbidden City’s inner court. Many tourists walk past it quickly, focusing on bigger spots like the Hall of Supreme Harmony. But this quiet palace holds easy-to-miss details worth stopping for—from hidden design meanings to old living traces. This guide will show what to look for, where to wander, and what to keep in mind while exploring the Palace of Earthly Honor.
Palace of Earthly Honor: 3 Unmissable Details
These are the small, fascinating spots you can spot with a little attention—no deep history knowledge needed:
① Lingzhi Mushroom Window Carvings
Check the windows on the east and west sides near the main door. Each wood frame has carvings of “lingzhi” (reishi mushrooms), symbolizing long life and health. These patterns were chosen to wish the palace’s residents, once emperors’ wives, well. Look closely, and you’ll see the tiny, smooth lines clearly.
② 12 Rows of Shiny Red Floor Tiles
Step inside the main hall. The floor is covered in dark red tiles polished until they glow. Count the rows from the door to the small throne at the back—there are exactly 12. Twelve represents “perfection,” referencing all 12 months. This subtle design detail is easy to miss if you don’t pause.
③ Lion-Pattern Lock on the North Door
On the north side of the palace, you’ll see a small closed door with a big brass lock carved with a lion. Lions symbolized protection in imperial times. The door once led to a room where jade and old books were stored. You can’t open the door, but the lock itself is a cool piece of the palace’s past.
Palace of Earthly Honor: 2 Quiet Spots to Wander
Don’t just stay in the main hall—these two areas let you feel the palace’s calm, less-crowded side:
① The West Wing
Most tourists skip this small side room, so it’s quiet even on busy days. Look for two things: smaller windows that let in soft light and a stone table half-buried in the ground. Long ago, imperial concubine Zheng Guifei used this space to relax, drink tea, and read poems away from noisy ceremonies.
② The East Wing
Inside this wing, a glass case displays simple items: a wooden comb, a small snack bowl, and a fan painted with birds. These are copies of objects once owned by Zheng Guifei, offering a small, relatable glimpse into daily life at the palace.
Palace of Earthly Honor: Practical Tips for Visiting
A few tips make your visit smoother and more enjoyable:
Go early (9:00–10:00 AM): The palace gets busy after 10. Early mornings let you see the window carvings and tiles without crowds, and the west wing stays quiet.
Ask for help if you want: On-site guides often speak English. They can share details about the windows or stone table that most visitors miss.
No flash photos inside: Flash might damage the displayed items in the east wing. Photos of windows and the lock are fine without flash.
Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll walk through the main hall, wings, and a small raised stone platform (yue tai). Flat, easy shoes let you take your time.
Key Facts About the Palace of Earthly Honor
A key part of the Forbidden City’s Six Western Palaces, the Palace of Earthly Honor housed imperial consorts, features classic architecture, and holds rich historical significance.
Aspect | Description |
Location | One of the Six Western Palaces, Forbidden City Inner Court |
Original Name | Palace of Myriad Peace (Wan’an gong) |
Renaming Date | 1535 (Jiajing Emperor) |
Key Symbolism | Associated with “Kun” trigram (Earth, support, harmony); role of imperial consorts |
Notable Residents | Noble Consort Zheng, Empress Dowager Cixi, Noble Consort Yuan, Empress Nala |
Architectural Changes | Rebuilt 1655, connected to Palace of Gathering Elegance (late Qing), rear hall converted to dining room |
Architectural Features | Yellow roof tiles, red walls, lattice windows, roof ridge beasts |
Modern Event | 2013 break-in, leading to enhanced security measures |
Final Thought on the Palace of Earthly Honor
The Palace of Earthly Honor isn’t about grand sights—it’s about small, human details. Spending 15–20 minutes here lets you see a different side of the Forbidden City: not just a museum, but a place where people once lived, relaxed, and kept treasures safe.
Next time you’re in the inner court, don’t rush past. Pause to count the tiles, examine the window carvings, and step into the quiet wings. You’ll leave with memories that go beyond photos—you’ll feel the hidden charm of the Palace of Earthly Honor.
What are the Palace of Earthly Honor’s opening hours?
It follows the Forbidden City’s general hours: usually 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (April–October) and 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (November–March). It stops letting visitors in 1 hour before closing—so if it closes at 5:00 PM, you need to enter by 4:00 PM.
Do I need a separate ticket to visit the Palace of Earthly Honor?
No. It’s included in your Forbidden City entry ticket. You don’t need to book an extra ticket or wait in a separate line—just walk in once you’re inside the Forbidden City.
Can I touch the exhibits in the East Wing, or take close-up photos?
You can’t touch the exhibits—they’re protected by glass cases. For photos: you can take close-up shots of the exhibits, but turn off your flash. Flash might damage the old copies (like the wooden comb or snack bowl) in the glass case.
Is there a place to sit and rest inside the Palace of Earthly Honor?
Yes. The West Wing has small stone benches (near the stone tea table). It’s quiet here, so you can sit and rest for a few minutes—perfect if you’re tired from walking around the Forbidden City.