Walking past the Taihe Gate one comes to the main highlight of any visit to the Forbidden City, the main courtyard which contains the three halls, the Taihe Hall (Hall of Supreme Harmony), Zonghe Hall (Hall of Median Harmony)and Baohe Hall (Hall of Preserving Harmony). The chinese usually refer to them collectively as the "Three Large Halls" of the Forbidden City.
Incidentally, the three halls were burnt down within 100 days after it was first built during the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming dynasty. The emperor saw it as a bad omen and they were only rebuilt by latter emperors. The Taihe Hall was burnt down several times during its 600 years existence.
The Taihe Hall is the largest building in the Forbidden City, and the most important building in Imperial China. It rises to a height of 35m (including the base), or about 12 storeys and was the highest building in imperial Beijing. This is where the most important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Emperor, are being held.
Incidentally, the three halls were burnt down within 100 days after it was first built during the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming dynasty. The emperor saw it as a bad omen and they were only rebuilt by latter emperors. The Taihe Hall was burnt down several times during its 600 years existence.
The Taihe Hall is the largest building in the Forbidden City, and the most important building in Imperial China. It rises to a height of 35m (including the base), or about 12 storeys and was the highest building in imperial Beijing. This is where the most important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Emperor, are being held.
The next few photos show the Taihe Hall in its full glory.
The Zhonghe Hall (left) and Baohe Hall (right). The Zhonghe Hall is where the Emperor would take a rest before proceeding to the Taihe Hall. The Baohe Hall is where the the final imperial exam is being held to select the top scholar.
The roof of the Baohe Hall with nine beasts. The number of beasts indicates the important of the building. The Taihe Hall has ten beasts.
The stone pavement with dragon and cloud decoration at the back of the Baohe Hall. It is 16.57m long and the largest carved stone in the palace.
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