The Khan’s Palace in the grasslands north of Beijing is widely known as the residence of the great Khan. Upon your first arrival at the “Khan’s Palace,” you’ll be awestruck by the towering walls surrounding the complex. With snow-white walls and lofty palace gates, the predominantly white-toned architecture takes on an ethereal glow in the evening light, reminiscent of divine radiance blessing the earth — a truly sacred sight.
Stepping through the palace gates, you’ll encounter a massive rectangular slab of bluestone,16meters in length, lying upright before the Chongtian Gate. This bluestone features the Mongolian character for “Khan.” Moving ahead, you’ll come to the Chongtian Gate, also known as the “Longevity Heaven Archway.” In ancient times, such archways were commemorative structures symbolizing loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness, historically referred to as “chuoqi.” The Chongtian Gate is adorned with carvings of the sun, moon, clouds, flowers, fish, birds, and beasts, reflecting the Mongol people’s reverence for nature and their worship of heaven and earth.
Beyond the Chongtian Gate lies the military camp of Genghis Khan and his four sons. At the center stands Genghis Khan’s grand command tent, surrounded by the smaller tents of his four sons. Genghis Khan had four sons: the eldest, Jochi; the second, Chagatai; the third, Ogedei; and the youngest, Tolui. Among them, the fourth son, Tolui, was particularly beloved by Genghis Khan and made indelible contributions to the historical wars of the Yuan Dynasty.
The dragon is the totem of the Chinese nation, a pillar of the spirit, and a symbol of faith. And9this number represents longevity, completeness, extremes, and boldness, while also resembling a dragon — a symbol of auspiciousness and good fortune. In front of Genghis Khan’s Eagle Tent stand18dragon pillars, with9on each side, symbolizing the supreme authority of the Khan.
The Eagle Tent, also known as the Golden Tent, features an eagle head carved from500cubic meters of bluestone — the largest eagle sculpture in the world. The eagle is a totem of the Mongolian people, and the Eagle Tent, serving as the venue for national deliberations (the imperial court), symbolizes a nation with enduring vitality and the strength to soar.
Inside the Eagle Tent is a scene depicting Genghis Khan in discussion with his ministers. At the center sits Genghis Khan, flanked by his consorts: his primary wife, Börte, and his secondary wife, Hulan. Below them are seated his Four Heroes: Muqali, Bo’orchu, Borokhul, and Chila’un; his Four Steeds: Jebe, Qubeley, Jelme, and Subutai; his four brothers: Hasar, Hachiun, Belgutei, and Temuge; as well as his mother’s three adopted sons: Shigi Qutuqu, Quchi, and Kokochu. These were all heroes of the steppes who fought tirelessly alongside Genghis Khan to conquer the world, leaving behind immortal legacies.
The sleeping tent of Genghis Khan and his two consorts was built atop wheels, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle and offering convenience during military campaigns. It’s worth noting that the earliest motorhomes might very well have been inspired by Genghis Khan’s mobile sleeping quarters.
Passing through the sleeping tents, you’ll be captivated by the nearby ovoo (sacred stone mound) cluster, consisting of thirteen ovoo of varying sizes. The central and largest ovoo is composed of three stacked circular stone platforms atop a base, broad and solid. At the center of the flagpole is the symbol of the Sulde, regarded as an emblem of clans and tribes, and a military insignia representing strength.
After paying homage to the ovoo, we arrive at the world’s only sacrificial platform that combines elements of Shamanism, Taoism, and Buddhism. In early Mongolian belief, the “Eternal Heaven” (Shamanism) was revered. Shamanism originated from the Mongolian people’s worship of nature’s simplicity. They believed heaven was the father and earth the mother, hence referring to heaven as the “Eternal Heaven,” the supreme deity governing all. In front of the sacrificial platform are incense burners for heaven and earth, where visitors can offer a stick of incense — praying to heaven for favorable weather, to earth for nourishment, and making personal wishes in the middle.
Feeling a bit weary today? Tomorrow, learn about the legendary achievements of the four sons, and explore the remarkable stories of the four heroes nurtured under the legacy of the great Genghis Khan.