Hall of Supreme Harmony

The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest building within the Forbidden City, positioned on a three-tiered marble platform at the complex's center. Its roof is covered in thousands of yellow glazed tiles, and its interior is dominated by six gold-covered pillars surrounding a massive wooden throne.

The building was originally constructed in 1406 as Fengtian Hall and faced early destruction by fire. Multiple reconstructions followed, with the structure achieving its present form during the 17th and early 18th centuries.

The space served as the stage where the emperor conducted the most important state ceremonies and appeared before his court. Every detail, from the dragon motifs to the arrangement of pillars, communicated power and celestial order to all who entered.

The hall can be viewed from the outside daily, but the interior remains closed to protect the valuable wooden structures and artifacts inside. Early morning visits work best when crowds are smaller and light reflects nicely off the gilded decorations.

Suspended from the ceiling above the throne is a rare metal sphere arrangement called the Xuanyuan Mirror, which many visitors overlook entirely. This hidden feature reflects the emperor's faith in invisible cosmic forces that supposedly governed his rule.

Location: Donghuamen Subdistrict

GPS coordinates: 39.91589,116.39067

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:22