| At the center there is a golden
lacquer ware throne set between two golden pillars both decorated
with dragons and it was the symbol of feudal and imperial power.
Enthroning ceremonies, birthday parties, festival celebrations,
ceremonies for sending forces on punitive expeditions and other
important activities were held in the hall. To the north is the hall
of Complete Harmony where the emperor rested before attending
important ceremonies and met people who came to pay their respects
there. The Hall of Preserving Harmony at the northern end was the
place where banquets were held and candidates sat the final imperial
examinations.
North of the Hall of
Preserving Harmony is the Inner Palace where the emperor carried out
his daily work and the empress, concubines, princes and princesses
lived, played and paid their respects to God. The main buildings in
the Inner Palace include the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of
Union and Peace and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. There are 12
palace courtyards on either side. There are also three gardens
Longevity Garden, Kindness and Tranquility Garden and the Imperial
Garden. They were the playgrounds of the imperial
family.
Included in the UNESCO world
cultural heritage list in 1987.
|
