Winter Palace of Bogd Khan

Built between 1893 and 1903, this palace is the place where Mongolia's eighth Living Buddha, and last king, Jebtzun Damba Hutagt VIII (often called the Bogd Khan), lived for 20 years. For reasons that are unclear, the palace was spared destruction by the Russians and turned into a museum. The summer palace, on the banks of Tuul Gol, was completely destroyed.

There are six temples in the grounds. The white building to the right as you enter is the Winter Palace itself. It contains a collection of gifts received from foreign dignitaries, such as a pair of golden boots from a Russian tsar, a robe made from 80 unfortunate foxes and a ger lined with the skins of 150 snow leopards. Mongolia's Declaration of Independence (from China) is among the exhibits.

The Bogd Khan's penchant for unusual wildlife explains the extraordinary array of stuffed animals in the Palace. Some of it had been part of his personal zoo - look out for the photo of the Bogd's elephant, purchased from Russia for 22,000 roubles.

It is a bit too far to walk from the Square, so take a taxi or catch bus 7 or 19.

A booklet (around Tug2200), available at the entrance, gives a very brief explanation of the temples in English, and includes a handy map showing the temple locations.