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• Puyi's 满洲国 Palace

  Wednesday, Jun 11, 2008 6:16PM / Standard Entry / Members only
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  I've spent the last 12 days back in Changchun 长春, continuing my work on the war movie. On a day off shooting I went to former Emperor Puyi's 满洲国 palace! This is the palace built for him by the Japanese during his puppet reign over Manchuria (1931-1945).

  The photo below is of Puyi's personal movie theatre, an enormous room with a very high ceiling, which he also used to play badminton in. I think there is also a scene of him watching movies alone in this room in "The Last Emperor".

  

  

  The photo above is of the chairs facing the cinema screen! I was surprised there were only two chairs, though it's possible he used to have a more comfortable sofa in here and they moved in more "regal" chairs for the exhibit. Notice the holes in the walls for the projector. It all looks rather formal for saturday night movies!

  

  Every morning, after spending two hours in the toilet (according to a guide), Puyi would have a shave and trim. This room is right next to his bedroom.

  

  The formal dining room. This room also has an orchestra box for musicians to play in during the meal.

  

  This is one of Puyi's cars (made in America).

  

  This is Puyi's swimming pool. Apparently he couldn't swim in it because he was not supposed to be seen undressed. There is also a horse racing track. A very impressive museum and palace, definitely worth a look!

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