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The Outer Court

The Three Great Halls

Hall of Supreme Harmony

The largest and most important building in the palace. It was used for grand ceremonies such as imperial coronations and weddings. Inside sits the legendary Dragon Throne.

Hall of Central Harmony

A smaller square hall where the Emperor would rest, receive officials, and perform final rehearsals for ceremonies held in the Supreme Harmony hall.

Hall of Preserving Harmony

Used for imperial banquets and the final stage of the imperial examinations, this hall features a massive single-block marble carving of nine dragons at its rear.

The Inner Court

The Three Rear Palaces

Palace of Heavenly Purity

The Emperor's sleeping quarters during the Ming and early Qing Dynasties. Later, it was used as an audience hall and the site of the Emperor's lying-in-state.

Hall of Union

The ceremonial space for the Empress. It housed the 25 imperial seals and the palace's clever water clock and mechanical clock.

Palace of Earthly Tranquility

Historically the Empress's residence. During the Qing Dynasty, it was repurposed as the imperial bridal chamber and a site for shamanistic sacrificial rites.

Hidden Gems

Unique Architectural Works

Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin Dian)

Starting from Emperor Yongzheng, this became the actual residence and office of the Emperors. It's a more intimate complex where most daily administrative business was conducted.

The Nine-Dragon Wall

A spectacular screen wall made of 270 glazed tiles, depicting nine dynamic dragons playing with pearls. It was built to provide spiritual protection to the Palace of Tranquil Longevity.

The Imperial Garden

Located at the far north of the palace, this 12,000 square meter garden features classical Chinese pavilions, ancient trees, unique rock formations, and peaceful paths.

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