Huangshicheng (Imperial Archive)

Huangshicheng (Imperial Archive), located at the south end of Nanchizi Street east of Tian'anmen Gate, was a royal archives office of Ming and Qing dynasties. Construction of the Imperial Archive was commenced in the 13th year under the reign of Jia Jing of the Ming Dynasty (1534), and completed two years later. After that, rehabilitation and maintenance were carried out several times during the reign of Long Qing of the Ming Dynasty and the reign of Jia Qing of the Qing Dynasty.

Facing the south, Huangshicheng (Imperial Archive), with a floor area of 3400 square metres, is of carved full-stone structure. Even doors, windows, seams and arch bracket sets are made of stones instead of traditional timbers. The saloon is free from beams and columns. North and south walls are 6 metres thick. East and west walls are 3 metres thick. Two white marble platforms are provided, on which there are 152 copper-covered camphorwood chests used to store imperial edicts, records and jade certificates. The entire structure and furniture of Huangshicheng are designed perfectly with exquisite workmanship and complete functions. They are not only luxurious, but durable, e.g. resistant to fire, dampness, moth and mildew. Moreover, the structure is warm in winter, and cool in summer with relatively stable indoor temperature, suitable for the storage of files and documents. Now, royal historical records and archives are on display. It is a national cultural heritage under special protection.