Among the many architectural monuments of Oranienbaum, the Chinese Palace of the second half of the 18th century holds a special place. It was built on the orders of Empress Catherine II. This palace is part of the extensive complex of the imperial dacha and got its name due to the Chinese style in which some of its rooms are decorated. The project was developed by the outstanding Italian architect Antonio Rinaldi, who was specially invited to Russia to carry out a number of projects. He skillfully brought to life all the wishes of the empress.

Construction of the palace began in 1862 and was completed in 1868. The building has a U-shape, occupies a large area, and is adorned with numerous columns. The Chinese interiors emerged due to the fashion of the time and Catherine II's fascination with popular styles. However, the palace did not retain its original appearance completely: in the mid-19th century, it was reconstructed by order of Emperor Nicholas I. Architects Stakenschneider and Bonstedt added a third floor to the southern part of the building, which did not spoil its exterior.

The palace was beloved by the representatives of the Romanov dynasty, but after 1917 it lost its significance and later became a museum. During World War II, the palace was not damaged and today is part of the State Museum-Reserve.