The former imperial palace of the Manchukuo State, located on Guangfu Avenue in Changchun, was the residence of Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, who became a puppet state leader under Japanese authority between 1932 and 1945. Converted into a museum, it documents a painful chapter in 20th-century Sino-Japanese relations.

Why visit the Manchukuo Imperial Palace

The site holds a singular place in China's heritage landscape. It is neither an ancient palace nor a place of prestige: it is the setting of a period of national humiliation, that of Japanese occupation of northeastern China. Three reasons to visit:

• A documented immersion into the life of Puyi, a controversial historical figure, regarded in China as a "great traitor" and "puppet of the Japanese."
• Composite architecture blending Chinese, Japanese and European influences, a rare built example from the 1930s in this province.
• An AAAA rating awarded in 2004 by China's national tourism office, a guarantee of museum quality.

The palace naturally complements a visit to Changchun, the former capital of Manchukuo (then called Hsinking).

History: a palace born from occupation

The complex was built by the Japanese imperial army during the invasion of northeastern China (1931–1945). To consolidate their control over the three northern provinces, the Japanese established the Manchukuo State in 1932 and placed Puyi at its head—the last emperor of China, deposed in 1912. Officially a sovereign, Puyi exercised no real power: his administration was entirely under Japanese military command.

This position earned the emperor a lasting reputation as a traitor to the Chinese cause. The palace ceased operations with the fall of Manchukuo in 1945, following Japanese defeat and the entry of Soviet forces into Manchuria, which damaged the buildings.

Progressively restored, the site reopened as a museum and received in 1982 collections transferred from the former Jilin museum. The AAAA rating obtained in 2004 consecrated its museography around the memory of occupation.

What to see on-site

The palace spans 137,000 m² and groups around thirty sites. Its design reproduces in miniature the layout of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with an inner courtyard reserved for the emperor's private quarters and his family, and an outer courtyard dedicated to affairs of state.

The main buildings

• Jixi Building: constructed in Russian style, it housed the imperial apartments.
• Tongde Building: renovated by a Japanese architect, it completes the residential complex.
• Qianmin, Huanyuan and Jiale Buildings: they housed Puyi's office and administrative center during his nominal reign.

Rooms open to the public

The museum route traverses the imperial chamber, reading room, Buddhist chapel, theater halls and the Manchukuo throne room. Period furnishings, daily objects and décor illustrate the lifestyle of the imperial family within their constrained setting.

The park and annexes

Outside, a Japanese-style garden dotted with decorative stones surrounds a fish pond. The palace also preserved a swimming pool, tennis court and small golf grounds, as well as a stable and racecourse where horse races occasionally took place.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: allow 2 to 3 hours to tour the main buildings and park.
• Admission: paid entry at moderate rates; audioguide available with deposit.
• Hours: morning opening, late afternoon closing, with reduced hours in the cold season. Check current hours before your visit.
• Audioguide recommended: signage in English is limited and the historical context deserves explanation.

When to visit

Changchun has a continental climate marked by long, harsh winters, with frequent below-freezing temperatures from November to March. Visiting is possible year-round, but the park and gardens are best explored between May and October. Late spring and early autumn offer the most pleasant conditions. In summer, the site may be busy with Chinese domestic tourism.

How to get there

The palace is located on Guangfu Avenue in the northeast of Changchun. Several urban bus lines serve the site, with stops nearby (Weihuanggong, Shanxilu, Guangfulu). Check current line numbers at your accommodation, as the network evolves regularly. Taxi and ride-hailing services remain a simple option from the city center.

What to see in the region

To extend an itinerary in China around history and heritage, several sites complement a visit to Changchun:

• Changchun: the city itself, the former capital of Manchukuo, preserves other buildings from the era.
• The Great Wall at Juyongguan: to compare periods of Chinese fortification.
• Great Pagoda of the Wild Goose: religious architecture from the Tang period in Xi'an.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

The Manchukuo Imperial Palace naturally fits into an itinerary combining heritage and memory in northeastern China. To build a tailor-made trip, consult our ideas for itineraries on China travel.