The Regimental Palace and Hunting Lodge

The Regimental Palace and Hunting Lodge

Destination Introduction

The Regimental Palace and Hunting Lodge is located 2.6 kilometers east of Huangcun Satellite City. During the Liao and Jin dynasties, it was a natural hunting ground. In the Yuan Dynasty, a platform called Feifangtai was built here for falconry to catch wild ducks. In the Ming Dynasty, walls were erected to enclose birds and animals, and it was known as Nanhaizi. It was the largest of the four imperial lodges in Nanhaizi during the Qing Dynasty. This site was once a renowned royal garden and hunting preserve through the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Construction of the lodge began in the 42nd year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign (1777) in the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 27 hectares, including 4 hectares of water surface, it is divided into eastern and western lakes. The palace buildings are located southeast of the lake, while the garden structures lie north of the lake. It became an outstanding imperial garden and a destination for leisurely hunting trips.

The Regimental Palace and Hunting Lodge was built in the 42nd year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign in the Qing Dynasty (1777 AD) and features eight scenic spots, including Xuanyuantang, Handaozhai, and Guiyunxiu, historically known as the “Eight Scenic Views of the Regimental Palace.” In 1900, it was damaged by the Eight-Nation Alliance, and the treasures within were looted. Restoration took place in 1984. On the island in the eastern lake, delicate wooden bridges are built on both sides. The island houses the Cuirunxuan (also known as Changyu), a three-bay structure with a large-style rolled-awning hip-and-gable roof covered with cylindrical tiles, featuring Suzhou-style colorful paintings on its beams and brackets. The western lake has an Imperial Stele Pavilion, square in shape, with four eaves and interlocking roof ornaments, and dazzling colorful paintings. Inside the pavilion stands a stone tablet inscribed with a poem by Emperor Qianlong.

New tourist activities have been introduced, such as fishing, taking photos in traditional costume, and riding in old-style sedan chairs. A newly built hunting amusement park allows visitors to ride horses and shoot bows to hunt small animals like rabbits, fully experiencing the pleasure of imperial hunting as enjoyed by feudal emperors in those days.

The Regimental Palace and Hunting Lodge incorporates the landscape-focused architectural layout of gardens in southern China, earning it the reputation of a “Little Jiangnan.” It features structures such as Cuirunxuan, the Imperial Stele Pavilion, Yuezhuoyi, the dock, and the boathouse, all exquisitely arranged with poetic charm, resembling a natural scenic wonder. The two main palace complexes, though forming their own courtyards, are interconnected by winding corridors, creating ever-changing views as you stroll, perfectly harmonizing with the natural garden environment. These buildings integrate the artistic characteristics of both northern and southern Chinese garden design—boasting the ruggedness of the north as well as the delicate beauty of the Jiangnan region, particularly cities like Suzhou and Hangzhou. Together, they form a masterpiece that masterfully blends the landscaping arts of both regions. Emperor Qianlong once inscribed plaques for the Eight Scenic Views, including Xuanyuantang, Handaozhai, and Guiyunxiu, and composed poems about the Eight Scenic Views of the Regimental Palace. However, after being looted by the Eight-Nation Alliance, bombed by Japanese aircraft, and eroded by years of wind and rain, the Regimental Palace and Hunting Lodge was reduced to near ruins, leaving only the Imperial Stele Pavilion, Cuirunxuan, Yunsuiting, and other historic buildings, along with over 150 ancient cypress trees.

Location: Located 3 kilometers east of Daxing County, in Tuankou Village, Jinxing Township.

Area: Covers 400 mu (approximately 26.7 hectares) Transportation Information

Take bus 901 from Gongzhufen to Xihongmen, then transfer to bus 369; or take bus 366 from Muxiyuan to Xihongmen and transfer to bus 369 to reach the site. Alternatively, take the Jinxing Township special line from Hufangqiao and get off at the Regimental Palace and Hunting Lodge stop.

Daxing District, Beijing