Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
imperial audience of 100,000 people.
First Side Galleries
Before you pass through the Gate of Supreme Harmony to reach the Forbid-
den City's star attractions, veer off to the east and west of the huge courtyard
to visit the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery inside the
Hall of Martial Valor
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( Wu Ying Dian) and the particularly good Ceramics
Gallery, housed inside the creaking
Hall of Literary Glory
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( Wen Hua Dian).
Three Great Halls
Raised on a three-tier marble terrace with balustrades are the Three Great
Halls ( San Dadian), the glorious heart of the Forbidden City. The recently re-
most important and largest structure in the Forbidden City. Built in the 15th
century and restored in the 17th century, it was used for ceremonial occasions,
such as the emperor's birthday, the nomination of military leaders and corona-
tions. Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony is a richly decorated
Dragon
Throne
( Longyi), from which the emperor would preside over trembling offi-
cials.
Behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony is the smaller
Hall of Middle Har-
or's transit lounge. On display are two Qing-dynasty sedan chairs, the emper-
or's mode of transport around the Forbidden City.
The third of the Great Halls is the
Hall of Preserving Harmony
( Baohe Di-
an), used for banquets and later for imperial examinations. The hall has no
support pillars. To its rear is a 250-tonne
marble imperial carriageway
carved
with dragons and clouds, which was transported into Beijing on an ice path.
A string of side halls on the eastern and western flanks of the Three Great
Halls usually, but not always, house a series of excellent exhibitions, ranging
from scientific instruments and articles of daily use to objects presented to the
emperor by visiting dignitaries.
