Construction began in 1625 under Nurhaci, and Hong Taiji added structures by 1631. The Daqing Gate, Chongzheng Hall, Fenghuang Building and Qingning Palace were built from 1627 to 1635. Qianlong expanded the palace in 1780, with additions in 1782 and 1783.
The palace has three sections: East, Middle and West. The East and West sections date to Nurhaci's period and the Middle Section to Hong Taiji's. It covers about 15 acres (6 hectares), with over 300 buildings and 20 courtyards. The Middle Section is built on a central axis with symmetrical side buildings.
Dazheng Hall is an octagonal building with yellow glazed tiles, green trim and 16 multicolored ridges, used for the emperor's Great Ceremony. The Fenghuang Building sits on a 13-foot (4 m) blue-brick platform. The palace was modeled on the Forbidden City, with Manchu, Han and Mongol features. UNESCO added it as an extension in 2004.
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