Zhongnanhai

　　  The architectural complexes of Zhongnanhai and Beihai took their final form during the Ming Dynasty. After Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty established the capital in Beijing, construction of the new imperial palace began in 1406. The Ming palace city was shifted southward from the site of the Yuan Dynasty palaces, so the walls of the Imperial City were also moved south. To enrich the landscape of the Imperial City gardens, Nanhai was excavated, and the earth removed, along with that from digging the Tongzi River, was piled up to form Wansui Mountain (now Jingshan Hill). Beihai, Zhonghai, and Nanhai were collectively called the "Taiye Pool" and belonged to the Western Garden of the Imperial City. Beihai and Zhonghai were separated by the Golden Turtle Jade Bridge, while Zhonghai and Nanhai were divided by the Centipede Bridge.

　　  After the Qing Dynasty established its capital in Beijing, the various inner court offices within the Imperial City were abolished, and large areas of the Western Garden were converted into residential neighborhoods. At the same time, an “Inner Red Wall” was built around the Three Seas—Beihai, Zhonghai, and Nanhai—to define the boundaries of the imperial garden, which was then confined within the Inner Red Wall. Compared to the politically symbolic Forbidden City, Qing emperors preferred residing in gardens. Emperors Shunzhi, Kangxi, and Qianlong all constructed palaces, halls, and pavilions within Zhongnanhai to serve as summer retreats and venues for conducting state affairs. During the reigns of Emperors Tongzhi and Guangxu, Empress Dowager Cixi and the emperor would often reside in Zhongnanhai when moving back to the Forbidden City from the Summer Palace in December according to court protocol, only going to the Forbidden City for ceremonial duties. After the failure of the Hundred Days' Reform, Empress Dowager Cixi imprisoned Emperor Guangxu on Yang Island in Nanhai.

　　  Xinhua Gate is the main entrance to Zhongnanhai, located on West Chang’an Avenue. It is a two-story building with seven bays in width, the central three bays of the lower floor forming the gateway. It features a rolled-brim hip-and-gable roof covered with yellow glazed tiles trimmed with green. Originally built during the Qianlong period as the Baoyue Tower, after the Xinhai Revolution, Yuan Shikai converted the tower into a gate and named it “Xinhua Gate,” symbolizing the “New Republic of China.” A screen wall was also constructed inside the gate, the mosque outside was demolished, and a decorative wall was built across Chang’an Avenue to block the view of dilapidated houses. A pair of stone lions, which had been burned down during the Boxer Rebellion, were moved from the former Prince Duan’s residence and placed in front of the gate.

　　  The Hall of Diligent Government (Qinzheng Hall) was once the main hall of Zhongnanhai, situated on the embankment between Zhonghai and Nanhai. Its main gate, Dechang Gate, is the northern gate of Nanhai. Facing south, the hall consists of five bays. Emperor Kangxi inscribed the plaque for the hall with the characters for “Hall of Diligent Government.” During the Hundred Days’ Reform, Emperor Guangxu worked here, handling state affairs related to reform and modernization. The original structure was demolished in the early years of the Republic of China, leaving only the place name, with another building later constructed at the site.

　　  In May 2006, Zhongnanhai was approved by the State Council to be included in the sixth group of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites, recognized as ancient architecture from the Ming and Qing periods.