Gold. Mountains. Palaces. Such grandeur filled the air around Wanning Palace, originally known as Taiqing Palace. This is where emperors sought solace, away from the Forbidden City’s watchful eyes. Built in 1179 outside the city walls of Jinzhongdu, Taiqing Palace holds a unique thread in the tapestry of Beijing’s history. Its original name, echoing aspirations of tranquility, changed over time, becoming Shouning, then Shouan, and finally Wanning Palace under Emperor Zhangzong in 1191.
Wanning Palace wasn’t just a retreat, it held courtly influence, shaping the destiny of Beijing. Its location directly influenced the positioning of Yuan Dadu’s new city. The central axis of Wanning Palace played a pivotal role in planning the grand axis of Yuan Dadu and its surrounding city layout. This connection extends even to the Ming and Qing dynasties, where the echoes of Wanning Palace can be seen in the Forbidden City’s placement.
Within Wanning Palace, a microcosm of imperial life unfolded. Lakes mirrored the sky, hills rose in miniature splendor, and pavilions offered breathtaking views. Qionghua Island, today’s White Pagoda Hill, once a humble mound in Beihai Lake, became an integral part of Wanning Palace’s landscape. Emperor Wanyan Liang orchestrated the movement of earth and rock, creating the island. He even transported large stones, called “Taihu stones,” from Kaifeng, embellishing the grounds with their unique beauty. These efforts transformed Qionghua Island into a picturesque setting, setting the stage for the stunning gardens that graced Wanning Palace.
The palace grounds pulsed with life. Emperors strolled through meticulously planned gardens, enjoying the “one lake, three mountains” layout, a hallmark of classical royal gardens. Imagine the sight described by the Jin poet Zhao Bingwen: “With a clear sound, the nine heavens open, the white sun draws thunder. Flowering screens connect to the forbidden towers, curved rivers embrace pavilions.”
Wanning Palace was more than just a place of leisure. It became a second center of power. Emperor Shizong frequently visited, both for pleasure and affairs of state. It was so important to him, he wished to be buried there, a request denied due to customary practices. After Shizong, Wanning Palace remained a favorite of Jin emperors, becoming almost a second Forbidden City.
Kublai Khan, upon arriving in Zhongdu, found himself drawn to Wanning Palace. Its beauty captivated him. He chose it as the center of the imperial city for his new capital, Dadu. The construction of Dadu unfolded around Wanning Palace’s Qionghua Island, which became the central lake, Taiye Pool. The three major palace complexes of Dadu arose on its eastern and western flanks. This innovative urban design broke with tradition, embracing the lake as a focal point, a testament to Kublai Khan’s vision. It marks a pivotal moment in Chinese urban planning. Wanning Palace, once a Jin dynasty retreat, shone brightly in the long history of Beijing. It linked different dynasties and their urban dreams, leaving an undeniable mark on the city we see today.