Hidden in Suqian: The Royal Secret Where Emperor Qianlong Stayed Five Times

Without going to Beijing, I stumbled upon an ancient architectural marvel in Suqian that rivals the Forbidden City! The Dragon King Temple Palace was where Emperor Qianlong stayed five times during his southern tours—a true national treasure filled with endless historical tales. Built during the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, the Dragon King Temple Palace was repeatedly renovated and expanded by emperors like Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong, and Jiaqing, forming today's magnificent ancient complex. Strolling along the central axis feels like stepping back into the imperial era centuries ago. Passing through the ornate gate, the bold inscriptions "Hai Yan" (Sea Peace) and "He Qing" (River Clarity)—written by Emperor Qianlong himself—express wishes for national tranquility and smooth water transport. How many courtly melodies once graced the ancient opera stage? How many historical moments did the royal stone lions at the mountain gate witness? In the Imperial Stele Pavilion, the stele stands quietly, its inscriptions recounting past glories, each character steeped in time. In the Yi Hall, the four water deities exude solemn majesty. Inside the Dragon King Hall, the East Sea Dragon King sits centrally, flanked by eight water gods, while the vibrant "Evergreen" murals narrate ancient legends. Most awe-inspiring is the Yu King Hall, with its double-layer structure and yellow glazed tiles, radiating imperial grandeur—almost evoking visions of solemn sacrificial ceremonies held here by emperors. Every building, statue, and ancient tree here carries profound historical and cultural significance. No need to hunt for the perfect angle—every shot is postcard-worthy, with red walls, upturned eaves, and inscribed plaques exuding timeless charm. Don traditional Chinese attire, wander through, and feel the collision of millennia-old history with the present, immersing yourself in a cross-temporal dialogue. 🎫 Admission: ¥30 ⏰ Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00 📍 Address: Dragon King Temple Palace (Qianlong Palace), Suqian Add this gem to your travel list and experience its unique magic in Suqian!