The Yanxi Palace is one of the six eastern palaces within the Forbidden City's inner court, traditionally serving as the residence for less favored concubines. Historical records indicate that Yanxi Palace is situated in the eastern section, making it the farthest from the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the emperor's quarters. Additionally, its proximity to the Changzhen Gate, the entrance designated for palace maids, eunuchs, and servants, rendered the area relatively noisy and complex. Notably, Yanxi Palace was prone to frequent fires throughout its history. In the 25th year of the Daoguang reign (1845), a major fire broke out at Yanxi Palace, destroying the main hall, the rear hall, and the east and west side halls—a total of 25 rooms—leaving only the palace gate intact. There was a proposal to rebuild the palace, but it was never realized.

 

In 1909, a three-floor Western-style building called the "Water Palace" was built on the original site of Yanxi Palace. A moat was excavated around the Water Palace, with water diverted from Jade Spring Mountain to encircle the structure. Each floor of the main building consisted of nine bays, with a central doorway on each side of the ground floor, all surrounded by verandas.

 

In 1910, Empress Dowager Longyu ordered the Western Electric Department to install electric heaters, electric fans, and lighting for the Yanxi Palace.

 

Due to depleted funds, by the winter of 1911, the project had not yet been completed and had to be halted.

 

In 1917, when Zhang Xun restored the Qing court, the northern part of Yanxi Palace was bombed and destroyed by aircraft from the Zhili faction's military.

 

In 1931, the Palace Museum transformed the palace into a storage facility for cultural artifacts.