The Shenyang Imperial Palace was the political centre of the Later Jin dynasty and the former imperial palace of the early Qing dynasty. It was built by the first three Qing emperors, and can be divided into the east, central and west parts built in different periods.

The east part, built during the reign of Nurhachi when battles, hunting and horse riding were part of the culture, reflects the traditional culture and customs and character of the Manchu people. The central part, built during the reign of Huang Taiji when agricultural economy developed, battles were few, and political stability was largely maintained, was largely built as a traditional Han imperial palace where the outer or front court was used for administrative purposes and the inner or rear court as the royal residence. The west part, built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, was a result of further absorption of Han culture.