The Chinese Palace, immersed in the greenery of the Upper Park, is part of the majestic palace and park complex of the "Private Dacha" of Empress Catherine II. In court terminology, the word "private" meant that the building or garden was intended exclusively for the imperial family and invited selected guests. This was also true for the Chinese Palace, which served as the personal residence of Catherine II.

Built between 1762 and 1768 by the Italian architect A. Rinaldi, the palace was originally a single-story structure. In the mid-19th century, architects L. L. Bonstedt and A. I. Shtakenshneider added a second floor, glazed the gallery, and constructed small antechambers on the east and west.

For a long time, the palace was called the "Dutch House," just like "Monplaisir." Only in 1774 did the name "Chinese Palace" appear in the chamber-furrier journal, which is associated with the decor of the interiors in Chinese style and the use of Chinese art.

Outwardly restrained, the palace impresses with its sophistication and splendor inside. In the central part, there is a suite of ceremonial rooms: the Glass Bead Cabinet, the Liquor Bedroom, the Hall of Muses, the Blue and Pink Lounges, and the Large and Small Chinese Cabinets. These names emphasize the uniqueness of the rooms. The western part contains the living quarters of Catherine II, while the eastern part has the rooms of Grand Duke Paul. Each interior is distinct in its uniqueness.

The main attraction of the Chinese Palace is the Glass Bead Cabinet, which has preserved its original decoration from the 1760s. The walls are adorned with twelve glass bead panels made of milk glass and multicolored silk, depicting fantastic birds and plants. The panels are framed with gilded carved frames that imitate tree trunks.

First-class works of art were acquired for the palace interiors. A special value is represented by the collection of ceilings created specifically for the Chinese Palace. No other Russian palace has a similar collection. Most of the ceilings were commissioned in Venice from leading masters. Italian artists Stefano Torelli and Serafino Barozzi worked on the painting of interiors such as the Hall of Muses and the cabinets of Catherine II and Paul.

The parquet of the palace, covering an area of 722 square meters, is unique in its artistic significance. It consists of various types of wood, including mahogany and ebony, amaranth, boxwood, and others. In terms of the richness and variety of wood species, as well as the complexity of the pattern, the parquet of the Chinese Palace is unparalleled.

The Chinese Palace reflects the fashionable trends and aesthetic preferences of the 18th century. Its decoration, created by European and Russian masters, has no analogs. Art historian I. E. Grabar called it "a true wonder, full of wonders of the eighteenth century."