| 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.
|
