The Imperial Palace site of the Yuan Dynasty in Beijing

The Yuan Dynasty Imperial Palace site located in the Forbidden City (故宫博物院) holds monumental significance for scholars and archaeologists alike, as it offers a rare and insightful glimpse into the construction and layout of the palace that once served as the political heart of the Yuan Empire (1271–1368). With the discovery of remains near Longzong Gate (隆宗门), this site provides invaluable data for understanding the Yuan Dynasty’s architectural legacy, especially considering the major reconstruction efforts carried out during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

Significance of Archaeological Layers

The Yuan Dynasty layer uncovered during the excavations was found beneath later Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty (清代) layers, which have long been assumed to have erased earlier foundations. The deeper strata, especially the Yuan Dynasty deposits, reveal critical details about the layout of the palace and the materials used in its construction. The fact that the archaeologists did not find any Ming Dynasty artifacts in this layer strengthens the evidence pointing to this area as the site of the Yuan Imperial Palace.

The Yuan Dynasty’s architectural style was distinct, with structures made primarily of wood and brick, rather than the more durable stone and marble used in later dynasties. The palace during the Yuan period was built as part of the imperial capital of Dadu (大都), now modern-day Beijing, which was established by Kublai Khan (忽必烈) as the political center of the Mongol Empire.

Key Findings in the Archaeological Excavations

• Porcelain Shards and Tiles: These findings indicate the imperial nature of the structures and the high quality of materials used in the palace’s construction. The tiles discovered in the Yuan layers are distinctive, with patterns that suggest a degree of sophistication not seen in earlier periods.

• Soil Layers and Building Foundations: Among the first layers to be excavated, the Yuan Dynasty earth layers included tamped soil, which was a common construction method during the Yuan period. These earth layers were used to support large wooden structures, and the presence of these layers points to the size and importance of the imperial palace.

Revealing the Yuan Dynasty’s Capital, Dadu

The Yuan Dynasty saw the rise of Dadu (大都), the imperial capital, which was later renamed Beijing. It was during Kublai Khan’s rule that the city became the heart of Mongol rule in China. Dadu was laid out with a design that reflected both Mongol traditions and Chinese influences. The Yuan Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City was at the center of this grand city, serving as the residence of the emperor and the administrative center for the empire.

Through this new discovery, archaeologists can now confirm the precise location of the Yuan Imperial Palace, which was previously speculative. The fact that the palace was located within what is now the Forbidden City adds another layer of historical importance to this area, emphasizing its significance as a focal point for both Chinese and world history.

Palace Structures and Their Cultural Significance

During the Yuan Dynasty, the Imperial Palace was not only a political and administrative center but also a symbol of Mongol authority. The Mongols, under Kublai Khan, ruled over a vast empire that stretched from China to Central Asia and parts of the Middle East. The palace complex would have been a reflection of their vast imperial ambitions, with architectural elements designed to convey power, prestige, and authority.

The discovery of these remains provides a deeper understanding of the Yuan Dynasty’s unique cultural fusion. Kublai Khan’s court was heavily influenced by both traditional Mongol structures and the more established Chinese imperial palace designs. As a result, the Yuan Imperial Palace would have been a blend of Mongol and Chinese architectural styles, marking an important point in the evolution of Chinese imperial architecture.

Insights into the Ming Dynasty Reconstruction

Following the fall of the Yuan Dynasty and the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City underwent major reconstructions. The Ming Dynasty wanted to establish their own imperial identity, which led to a dramatic overhaul of the Yuan Imperial Palace.

The Ming Dynasty rebuilt much of the palace using materials such as stone, marble, and bricks, which were more durable and suited for the grand scale of the new palace. The foundations of these new buildings often covered the remains of the Yuan Dynasty palace, erasing much of its original structure. As Dr. Li Ji (李季) notes, this reconstruction process was so thorough that the Ming Dynasty almost entirely wiped away any traces of the Yuan buildings, which makes the recent archaeological findings even more significant.

Excavations in the Cining Palace Garden

In addition to the Yuan Imperial Palace site, archaeologists also uncovered a large and well-preserved Ming Dynasty palace site in the Cining Palace Garden (慈宁宫花园). This excavation revealed the foundations of a grand Ming-era structure, complete with stilt foundations, tamped earth layers, and brickwork. These findings are critical for understanding the transition between Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty (清代) architecture in the Forbidden City.

Importance of the Archaeological Discoveries

These discoveries are vital not only for the history of the Forbidden City but also for understanding the history of Beijing itself. The Forbidden City is the best-preserved imperial palace in China and remains a symbol of Chinese history, art, and culture.

The Yuan Dynasty Imperial Palace discovery provides concrete evidence of the architectural layout of Dadu, the capital of the Mongol Empire, offering insights into the building style and materials used by the Yuan court. These findings will allow for a more nuanced understanding of how the Yuan Dynasty contributed to the evolution of Chinese imperial architecture.

Future Discoveries and Ongoing Research

Despite the breakthroughs already achieved, the discovery is still in its early stages. Future excavations and research will continue to shed light on the Yuan Imperial Palace and its connection to the Forbidden City. Dr. Li Ji (李季) and his team hope that further excavation will provide a complete “picture” of the palace and its relationship with Beijing’s central axis (北京城中轴线), offering more clues about the development of the city and its imperial history.

This ongoing archaeological work will also enhance our understanding of the Yuan Dynasty’s role in shaping the cultural and architectural traditions that continue to influence China today.