Located in the southern suburbs of Ulaanbaatar, the Bogd Khan Palace was originally the residence of the 8th Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, the highest religious leader of Outer Mongolia under Qing rule, and served as a center for both religious and political activities.
After the fall of the Qing Empire, the 8th Jebtsundamba Khutuktu ascended the throne in Khüree (present-day Ulaanbaatar) as the Bogd Khan, becoming the political leader of Mongolia. He implemented a theocratic form of rule that combined religious and political authority. The palace was subsequently renamed the Bogd Khan Palace. It was not until the Mongolian Revolution of 1921 that he continued to rule as a constitutional monarch, becoming the last khan of Mongolia before the country adopted a socialist system of governance.
After the founding of the Mongolian People’s Republic in 1924, the Bogd Khan Palace was converted into a museum, which has been preserved to this day.
The architectural style of the Bogd Khan Palace blends Mongolian and Tibetan cultural elements with traditional Chinese architectural features, reflecting a unique ethnic design philosophy.
The traditional Chinese architectural influence is evident in the palace’s layout, which consists mainly of wooden temple structures arranged in a triple courtyard formation. It begins with a spirit screen and a wooden archway, followed sequentially by bell and drum pavilions and the main courtyard. Notably, the main gate was constructed using 108 interlocking mortise-and-tenon joints—a distinctive feature of traditional Chinese architecture.
The Mongolian and Tibetan cultural elements are reflected in the interior decorations, which display a strong ethnic style. Murals, thangkas, and Buddhist statues all convey the artistic characteristics of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Bogd Khan Palace occupies a large area. When it was first built, there were few other structures nearby, making it an ideal summer retreat. For this reason, it was also known as the Summer Palace. However, during the harsh Mongolian winters, the palace lacked adequate heating facilities and could not provide a comfortable living environment. As a result, a separate Winter Palace was later constructed in the left wing of the complex for use during the colder months.
Compared to the Summer Palace’s traditional Chinese architectural style, the Winter Palace blends traditional Mongolian elements with Western architectural influences.
Today, both the Summer and Winter Palaces are part of the museum, housing and exhibiting a large collection of Tibetan Buddhist artifacts, traditional Mongolian clothing, handicrafts, and more. Visitors can also experience many aspects of Mongolia’s unique folk culture within the complex.
Stepping into the Bogd Khan Palace, you will see that multiple cultures coexist harmoniously within its walls, making visitors feel as if they have traveled back to Mongolia’s dynamic history. The silent architecture seems to tell stories of Mongolia’s past and its future.
