31,000 jade pieces
The Palace Museum holds about 31,000 jade objects from neolithic burial pieces to Qing imperial carvings. The single most famous piece is the Qianlong Emperor's Da Yu Taming Floods carving (1787)—a Khotan nephrite boulder 2.4 metres tall and over 5 tonnes. For wider cultural context, pair this page with our Chinese jade hub covering meaning, nephrite vs jadeite, and Beijing museum routing.
- Drive time from Beijing: Central Beijing — about 20–45 minutes by subway or taxi
- Typical visit style: Treasure Gallery: 60-90 min add-on
- Difficulty: Easy - indoor display
- Crowds: Quieter than central axis
- Best for: Art and craft-curious visitors; Travelers adding Treasure Gallery to a Forbidden City day
- Less ideal for: Short Forbidden City visits skipping the northeast annex
Jade highlights
| Era | Type | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Neolithic + Shang | Ritual jade | Bi discs + cong tubes |
| Han dynasty | Burial jade | Jade burial suits |
| Qing Qianlong | Khotan boulder carving | Da Yu Taming Floods (1787) |
| Qing seals | Jade imperial seals | Twenty-Five Treasures set |
Da Yu Taming Floods
Qianlong-era masterpiece carved from a single Khotan boulder—2.4 m tall, 5+ tonnes—on permanent display in the Treasure Gallery.
- 1787 completion
- Khotan/Hetian nephrite
- Largest historic jade carving
- Treasure Gallery NE corner
Khotan and Hetian origin
Imperial nephrite traveled from Xinjiang along Silk Road routes—see our Hetian jade and Chinese jade hub for transport context.
- Nephrite not jadeite
- Mutton-fat white prized
- Silk Road tribute stone
Where to see them
Treasure Gallery in the northeast Forbidden City—10 RMB add-on; allow 60-90 minutes with other treasures.
- 10 RMB additional ticket
- Da Yu has dedicated hall
- Pair with porcelain wing
Link to wider jade cluster
Forbidden City jade is one stop on a Beijing jade route—continue at Chinese Jade for symbolism, authentication caution, and National Museum ancient galleries.
Common jade mistakes
Skipping Treasure Gallery
10 RMB add-on; Da Yu alone justifies it for jade-curious visitors.
Confusing nephrite with jadeite
Forbidden City imperial jade is mostly creamy Khotan nephrite—see nephrite vs jadeite guide.
Shopping instead of museum study
DragonTrail does not appraise jade, certify authenticity, or guarantee market value. This guide is for cultural and traveler education only.
Forbidden City jade FAQ
- Da Yu Taming Floods (1787)—2.4 m, 5+ tonnes Khotan nephrite in Treasure Gallery.
- About 31,000 spanning neolithic to Qing.
- Mostly nephrite; some late Qing jadeite ornaments—see cluster comparison guide.
- Full traveler primer at Chinese Jade.
Continue learning jade
Add Treasure Gallery on a guided Forbidden City day, then read the Chinese jade hub for symbolism and museum routing.
