Of the two remaining Qing imperial palace complexes in China, most tourists immediately think of the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Not so many are aware of the one in Shenyang, provincial capital of Northeast China's Liaoning.

With an area of 60,000 square meters, about one twelfth the size of the Forbidden City, the Shenyang Imperial Palace differs primarily from its better known Beijing counterpart on account of its history, Manchu-style architecture and unique local geographical conditions.

Though an overview of Shenyang Imperial Palace is almost a miniature replica of the Forbidden City, details inside the palace reveal another kind of attraction. The Manchurian influence behind its construction is also a vast departure from the style of its predecessor.

Construction began when Nurhachi (Nulhachi) was in power and was completed in 1636 by his son, Huangtaiji, the father of Shunzhi -- later to become the first emperor of China's last feudal empire, the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The imperial palace is distinctive for the Manchu-style architecture blended with Han and Mongolian influences.

The main structure includes three sections. The eastern section is probably the most impressive for the octagonal Dazheng Dian, The Hall of Great Affairs, in vivid red and gold, inside which is an elaborate throne where Shunzhi was crowned.

The middle section starts at Daqing Men, the Main Gate, behind which is the grand Chongzheng Dian, Hall of Supreme Administration, where Huangtaiji commanded military affairs and conducted daily business. The emperor also met diplomats from abroad and leaders of minority groups in this hall.

Behind the hall, there is a route leading to the Fenghuang Lou, The Phoenix Tower and the study of Huangtaiji. It was noted as Shenyang's highest building at that time.

At the rear of the middle section is the Qingning Gong, The Palace of Pure Tranquility and the bed chamber for Huangtaiji and his mistress.

The western section was added in 1782 by Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799), and its main building is the Wenshuo Ge, Hall of Literary Source, which contains the complete works of the Four Treasures as well as a copy with the inscription of Emperor Qianlong.

Newly restored, the palace is opened to the public with items including furniture, military equipment and collections of paintings and musical instruments exhibited.

Other attractions nearby include the East Tomb and North Tomb, which were built for Nurachi and Huangtaiji.

Located 11 kilometres northeast of Shenyang, the East Tomb, also known as the Fu Ling, is the burial place of Nurachi and his wife, Yehenalashi.

The tomb is set among conifers in Dongling Park. It is an impressive structure with strong walls and a three-storey tower.

The tomb was completed in 1651, and reconstructed in the Kangxi and Qianlong Period of the Qing Dynasty.

The most distinctive feature is the 108 stone steps which lead to the tomb on the hilltop. The 108 stone steps symbolize the 36 immortals in heaven and the 72 evil spirits in hell, and indicate power and the emperor's rule over the whole country.

The North Tomb, the burial site of Abhai, better known as Huangtaiji, and his empress Xiaoduanwen, is one of the finest sights in Shenyang.

It was constructed in 1643 and covers an area of 450 hectares. The path leading up to the burial mound is lined with stone statues of elephants, lions and horses, which are said to have been modelled after the two horses Huangtaiji loved best. There are also impressive pavilions, towers and halls inside the complex.

How to get to Shenyang: There are many flights daily from Beijing to Shenyang. It takes one hour and costs about 800 yuan (US$96) one-way. Trains usually take 12 hours from Beijing and cost about 200 yuan (US$25) for a sleeping berth..

To get to the imperial palace, take bus No 7 or trolley bus No 13 at the south railway station.

Location: No. 171, Shenyang Lu, Shenhe District, Shenyang.

Admission: 35 yuan (US$4)

To get to the East Tomb, take bus No 213 from the Imperial Palace; or take bus No 220.

Location: In the Beiling Park on Taishan Lu, Huanggu District.

Admission: 10 yuan (US$1.2)

To get to North Tomb, take bus No 18 or No 218 from the Imperial Palace.

Admission: 10 yuan (US$1.2)

(Beijing Weekend February 25, 2004)