Three Front Halls in the Forbidden City

Behind the Gate of Supreme Harmony is the Square before the Hall of Supreme Harmony, which covers over 30,000 ,square meters and is the largest square in the Forbidden City. In the north of the Square is an 8.13-meter-high marble terrace, on whose three tiers are placed altogether 18 bronze censers. When grand ceremonies were held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, fresh pine and cypress branches would be burned in the censers. The smoke curling upwards would create a solemn and mysterious atmosphere. The furnishings on the terrace include a sundial and a standard measure denoting authority as well as a pair of bronze tortoise and crane denoting longevity.

On the three-tier terrace stand three majestic halls, i.e. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Middle Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The Hall of Supreme Harmony was mainly used for grand ceremonies, e.g. enthronement, weddingdding, expedition, celebrations of the New Year’s Day, Winter Solstice and the emperor’s birthday, state banquet, etc. On the occasion of a ceremony, bronze status markers would be placed on the omplicated insignias would also be placed on the Square, forming a magnificent sight.

Relevant attractions in the Forbidden City

Inner Golden Water River
Gate of Supreme Harmony
Three Front Halls
Pavilion of Manifesting Benevolence and Pavilion of Expanding Justice
Hall of Supreme Harmony
Hall of Middle Harmony
Hall of Preserving Harmony