Map of Shenyang Imperial Palace
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Emperor Qianlong's Last Edifices 1781-1783
Having expanded the imperial palace with the buildings necessary for the temporary dwelling of the emperor, empress, empress dowager, concubines and accompanying persons, emperor Qianlong turned his attention to leisure, the arts and history.
In 1781-1782, his 46 and 47th year of reign, Qianlong added the entire western section of Shenyang palace. Just northwest of Siwen Gate he erected an entire opera house , complete with a theatrical stage, dressing rooms, the emperor's seating building, Jiayin Hall, and side porches from where his entourage could enjoy the performances. The building complex nowadays houses a museum of the history of Qing and a display of numerous artifacts from the palace.
North of the theater complex he constructed Wensu Library, a national library in which the great encyclopedia that Qianlong had ordered to be compiled was stored. Pillars and doors of the library were painted in a rather unusual green color scheme to render a peaceful and graceful impression.
A poem that the emperor wrote in honor of the library was inscribed on a stone tablet, which is now on display just east of the library.
Behind the library Qianlong erected Yangxi House serving as the emperor's study. This is where he would read, write and paint when visiting Shenyang palace. It is a 7-bay building connected to the library with a stone pass and porches on both sides.
In the rear of the western palace section lies Jiujian Hall, a building used as temporary residence by officials accompanying the emperor on his northeastern inspection tours.