Shenyang Imperial Palace

Today we visited the Shenyang Imperial Palace. I had never heard of it until I did an internet search after I found out we were going to Shenyang. 

Shenyang Imperial Palace:

It is the only existing royal palace in China outside of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The main structure of the palace was built in 1625 when Nurhachi was in power. It was finished in 1636. Within its walls much is revealed about the early Qing Dynasty. It was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2004 as an extension of the Forbidden City and is now the most popular and renowned tourist attraction in Shenyang.

Covering an area of more than 60,000 square meters (about 71,760 square yards), the Shenyang Imperial Palace is one twelfth the size of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The palace consists of more than 300 rooms, formed around 20 courtyards.

We had a great time touring the palace. We would have liked to spend more time really examining everything, but we had many adoption related appointments to take care of.

Skylar did pretty well at the palace. However, when we returned to the hotel he had multiple meltdowns, and numerous temper tantrums, some lasting as long as 30 minutes. He is quite challenging, and we're praying he'll turn a corner soon.

I am grateful for the distractions of sight seeing, and adoption appointments. It keeps my mind off of Skylar's continued rejection of Mommy. He is still Daddy's boy, and does not like for me to touch him, not even to hold his hand. 

Dear Faith is really being a princess and a trooper. She is really an old soul. She is just so sweet and is being so helpful. In return we are spoiling her rotten and buying everything and anything she wants.

We continue to pray Skylar will calm down and bond with us soon. Our guide and Godsend, Helen, is very helpful, patient, and understanding. She offers wonderful encouragement for Skylar and for us as a family. :)