Exploring the Manchu Eight Banners Relics

⏰ Itinerary Planning Best Time to Visit: Peak Season (April-October): Enter right at 8:30 when it opens to avoid tour groups after 10 AM; the best light for photos is around 4 PM Off-Season (November-March): A must-visit the day after snowfall! The rare sight of red walls dusted with snow lasts only 2-3 days Recommended Duration: Core route takes 2.5 hours, in-depth tour (+ special exhibitions) requires 5 hours; closed on Mondays! 🚶 Route Highlights East Route — Manchu Heritage Dazheng Hall: The "Tent Palace" from Nurhaci’s era, octagonal shape symbolizes the Eight Banners. Photo spot: low-angle shot of the stone lions in front of the hall reflecting the sky mirror Ten Kings Pavilion: Left and right wing pavilions centered, Eight Banners pavilions arranged like arrowheads, aerial shots reveal the military layout Central Route — Power Core Chongzheng Hall: Place where Emperor Huang Taiji held court, the plaque above the throne reading "Purple Qi Comes from the East" is a calligraphy by Emperor Qianlong (original in the East Hall) Phoenix Tower: Climb to the top for a panoramic view, the three-story corridor frames the central architectural axis for photography West Route — Sinicization Imprint Wensu Pavilion: Black tiles and green eaves house the Siku Quanshu library, symbolizing "water overcoming fire," renowned alongside Beijing’s Wenyuan Pavilion Opera Stage: Where Emperor Qianlong watched performances during his eastern tours, notice the He Xi colored paintings on the beams 🍧 Survival Guide Beat the Heat: Entrance has cold mist fans + sunshade canopy double buffs｜Free sour plum juice at the volunteer booth in Rihua Building｜Water stations: right wing gate of Chongzheng Hall, west corridor of the Opera Stage Travel Light: Luggage storage available at "Zhongjie Station Exit C" (06:00-24:00), 5-minute walk from the Forbidden City Bring Culture: Cultural ice cream shaped like Dazheng Hall paired with a "Liangyou" folding fan, cool down and get great photos ⚠️ Hardcore Tips ■ Ticket Trap: Third-party platforms often bundle "live guided tours"; official guides are available at Daqing Gate ticket office (100 RMB for 1-5 people in Chinese), don’t overpay! ■ Hidden Fun: Buy a 15 RMB hand-drawn booklet at the entrance and collect stamps from Dazheng Hall, Chongzheng Hall, and Phoenix Tower ■ Transport Hack: Take Metro Line 1 and exit at "Zhongjie Exit C" (7 minutes direct), 300 meters closer than Huaiyuan Gate; park at Henglong Plaza (6 RMB for the first hour) ■ Off-Peak Strategy: Tour groups usually go "Central Route → East Route"; enter from the West Route at Wensu Pavilion for a peaceful experience