Hall of Preserving Harmony, Imperial examination hall in Forbidden City, Beijing, China.
The Hall of Preserving Harmony is the third main building in the outer court sequence of the Forbidden City and follows traditional Chinese architectural principles. The structure features a massive marble ramp with intricate carvings crafted from a single stone block.
During the Qing Dynasty, this building served as the venue for the final stage of imperial examinations where candidates competed for government positions. These exams were a central part of the imperial system for selecting qualified officials.
The name reflects a Chinese philosophical concept about balance between heaven and earth. Visitors can see today how the nine dragon carvings on the marble ramp behind the building embody imperial power and cosmic order.
Visitors enter through the central pathway of the Forbidden City, which runs between the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Gate of Heavenly Purity. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer fewer crowds and better light for viewing the marble ramp details.
The marble ramp behind the structure was carved from a single stone block and displays nine dragons representing aspects of nature and the universe. This block was so heavy that special techniques were needed to move it during construction.
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