Tower of Pleasant Sounds in the Forbidden City

Built in 1776, the 41st year of Qianlong’s reign, the Tower of Pleasant Sounds in the Forbidden City has a history of more than 200 years. As the largest theater in the Imperial Palace, it is 21 meters high, covering an area of 690 square meters with 3 floors. The top floor was aimed “the floor of happiness”, the one in the middle was called “the floor of prosperity” and the ground floor was “the floor of longevity”, indicating the auspicious wishes of “happiness, prosperity and longevity.” The emperor would sit in the center of the Building of Watching Operas, which is facing the Tower of Pleasant Sound from 10 meters away. The Building of Watching Operas was flanked by corridors connecting the Tower of Pleasant Sounds, where seated the courtiers and royal family.

The Building is now he gallery for the permanent exhibition of Qing Court Operas.

Relevant attractions in the Forbidden City

Screen Wall of Nine Dragons
Hall of Ancestral Worship
Arrow Pavilion
Hall of Imperial Supremacy and the Palace of TranquiI Longevity
Hall of Character Cultivation
Tower of Pleasant Sounds
Chamber of Joyful Longevity
Well of Concubine Zhen
Qianlong Garden