As hit TV series like “Empresses in the Palace,” better known as “The Legend of Zhenhuan,” and “Time to Love” have won over millions of Chinese TV viewers, interest has risen about the life of the empresses and concubines. And the Shenyang Imperial Palace, home to the earliest emperors of the Qing dynasty, is providing some answers for the curious.

Shenyang Imperial Palace holds exhibition about concubines

One-hundred twenty-seven items ranging from what the empresses and concubines wore, to what they used in daily life. Visitors can get a glimpse of the life of an imperial woman.

“We have head ornaments, dress accessories, plates, kettles, vases and house screens,” said Yu Mingxia, deputy director of Relic Dept., Shenyang Imperial Palace.   

The imposing Shenyang Imperial Palace was the residence for the first three Qing Dynasty emperors. Now as a museum, it houses a treasure trove of relics from the court, dating from the early 17th century.

Visitors can both marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship and get a sense of the artistic tastes of the harem. The Qing court table was set in luxurious style.

“This kind of pearl necklaces can only be worn by court officials above a certain level. This one with a yellow belt at the back can only be worn by the emperor, empress, or empress dowager," said Yu Mingxia.

Art and fashion were very important to the Qing imperial women, which can be seen in their wardrobe and accessories.

These precious relics tell a part of history about how the empresses and concubines lived hundreds of years ago.