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At Qin Palace, visitors can explore the ancient architecture, enjoy the beautiful surrounding gardens, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Qin Dynasty. The palace features historical exhibits, showcasing ancient artifacts and artwork. Walking through the royal halls and gardens offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Chinese imperial life. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from certain points within the palace grounds.
The Qin Palace scenic area was built for director Chen Kaige's historical epic "The Emperor and the Assassin." It's also the birthplace of blockbusters like "Hero" and "The Forbidden Kingdom." Its prototype is the Xianyang Palace, the most important palace of the Qin Dynasty. The entire palace layout adheres to a strict central axis symmetry, with the ancestral temple on the left, the altar on the right, and the living quarters in the front and the bedrooms in the back.
From the moment you enter the first gate, you will be reminded of the description in "Fu on Afang Palace": "Every five steps there is a building, every ten steps there is a pavilion; the corridors are winding, the eaves are high; each one follows the terrain, and there are intrigues against each other." Among them, the most worth seeing are the double-story corridor of the "Central Palace Gate", the 99 steps in front of the main hall and the "Four Seas Return to One Hall".
The Central Palace Gate has three mechanical doors, making the entire palace impregnable. Climbing the 99 steps, symbolizing the "Nine Nines Returning to One," leads to the "Four Seas Returning to One Hall," where the emperor met with his ministers. Inside, you'll find not only the throne but also a variety of realistic bronze artifacts. Finally, don't forget to stroll through "Han Street," which showcases the street life of the Qin and Han dynasties.
Suitable for all seasons
The Dragon Emperor's arrival
[Experience Location: Dragon Emperor Theater] 9:00-16:00 (Subject to temporary adjustments without prior notice, please refer to the actual announcement of the scenic spot)
Heroes duel
[Performance Location: East Side Hall] January-February 9:00|11:00|13:00|15:00; March 1-June 30 9:00|11:00|13:00|16:00; July 1-September 30 9:00|10:00|11:00|13:00|15:00|16:00; October 1-November 30 9:00|11:00|13:00|16:00; December 1-31 9:00|11:00|13:00|15:00. (No further notice will be given in case of any temporary adjustments. Please refer to the actual announcement of the scenic spot for details.)
Dreaming of the Qin and Han Dynasties
[Performance Location: Xiwang Tower] January 1st - February 28th 10:00 | 14:00 | 16:15, March 1st - June 30th 9:00 | 14:00 | 16:15, July 1st - September 30th 9:00 | 10:00 | 14:00 | 15:00 | 16:15, October 1st - November 30th 9:00 | 14:00 | 16:15, December 1st - December 31st 10:00 | 14:00 | 16:15 (In case of temporary adjustments, no further notice will be given, please refer to the actual notice of the scenic spot)
The First Emperor ascended the throne
[Performance Location: Ninety-Nine Steps] January 1st, 10:00 AM; January-February suspension; March 1st - June 30th, 10:00 AM; July-September suspension; October-November, 10:00 AM; December suspension. (No further notice will be given in case of any temporary adjustments. Please refer to the actual announcement of the scenic spot for details.)
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
170 yuan/person
Summer : 8:00-17:00
Winter : 8:00-16:30
The Qin Palace is a historic site that dates back to the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC). It was once the residence of high-ranking officials and the ruling elite. The palace serves as a symbol of the imperial power and architectural prowess of ancient China. It holds significant cultural importance as a site for understanding the Qin Dynasty's contributions to Chinese civilization, especially in terms of governance, art, and military history.
The Qin Palace is located in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province. To reach the site, visitors can take a taxi from the city center or use local buses. The nearest metro station is a short taxi ride away, and the palace is also accessible by walking from nearby attractions within Jinhua city.
The Qin Palace is typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor exploration, with mild temperatures and clear skies.
The entrance fee to the Qin Palace is approximately 60 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and some online ticketing platforms may offer advance bookings. It's recommended to check for discounts or combo tickets with other nearby attractions.
Booking tickets in advance is not strictly necessary for most visitors. However, during peak seasons (holidays or weekends), it is advisable to purchase tickets 1-2 days in advance to secure your entry and avoid long queues.
To fully explore the Qin Palace, including the gardens and historical exhibits, expect to spend around 2-3 hours. This allows enough time for leisurely walks through the grounds and to appreciate the historical artifacts on display.
The must-see highlights of the Qin Palace include the grand halls, the tranquil gardens, and the historical exhibits featuring ancient artifacts from the Qin Dynasty. The architecture and the views from the palace grounds also provide great photo opportunities.
Guided tours and audio guides are available at the Qin Palace. The guides typically speak Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may be available on request. Audio guides in several languages, including English, are also available for self-guided tours.
The best viewpoints for photography are from the upper levels of the palace, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding gardens and landscape. The ancient architecture of the halls and the tranquil water features in the gardens also provide excellent photography opportunities.
Start by visiting the main palace halls and courtyards to learn about the history and architecture. Then, explore the gardens and outdoor spaces, including any scenic spots for views. Finish by visiting the exhibitions showcasing Qin Dynasty artifacts and cultural history.
Night visits are not typically available, but there may be special tours or events during certain times of the year, such as cultural performances or seasonal festivals. It’s best to check in advance for any special nighttime events or light shows.
The Qin Palace can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially in peak tourist seasons. To avoid the crowds, it's best to visit on weekdays, particularly in the morning or late afternoon. Avoid visiting during major holidays, such as Chinese New Year, when the site is busiest.
The Qin Palace has basic facilities, including clean toilets and rest areas for visitors to relax. Food and drink are available at nearby kiosks or restaurants, and there are shops selling souvenirs and local crafts.
Yes, the Qin Palace is relatively accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors, with paved pathways and benches for rest. However, certain areas with stairs may be less accessible for people with mobility challenges. It’s advisable to check in advance for accessibility information.
Mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted at the entrance and on-site. Cash payments are also accepted, but it’s recommended to use mobile payments for convenience.
There are a few restaurants and cafes near the Qin Palace, offering a variety of Chinese dishes, including local Zhejiang cuisine. Many are located along the streets near the entrance or within walking distance from the palace.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some of the nearby restaurants. Halal food options may be limited, but there are a few places in Jinhua that cater to halal dietary requirements.
There are several hotels within a short distance from the Qin Palace, ranging from budget to luxury options. Hotels like the Jinhua Grand Hotel and local guesthouses offer convenient accommodations for visitors.
Nearby attractions include the Jinhua Ancient City, the Wuzhou Temple, and the Dongyang Woodcarving Museum. All of these sites are within a short distance from the Qin Palace and can be easily visited on a day trip.
Yes, there are souvenir shops around the Qin Palace selling local crafts, such as hand-carved wooden items, tea sets, and historical replicas from the Qin Dynasty. You can also find traditional Chinese artwork and calligraphy pieces.
After visiting the Qin Palace, visitors can use taxis, buses, or the metro to continue their journey. For those traveling to nearby attractions, taxis or buses are the most convenient options. The public transportation system in Jinhua is well-connected and inexpensive.
