The Palace of Heavenly Purity in the Forbidden City

As the largest building in the Inner Court, the Palace of Heavenly Purity in the Forbidden City was the residence of 16 Ming and early Qing emperors. On the terrace before the Palace are placed the same furnishings as on the terrace before the Hall of Supreme Harmony. On the east and west of thrrace is a pair of gilded pavilions symbolizing the Territory and State and emphasizing the imperial authority.

In the Palace, a plaque with the inscription of “Zhengda Guangming” (Just and Honorable) by Emperor Shunzhi is hung bove the throne co,rered with golden lacquer and carved with dragons. The throne stands on a square platform and against a screen, which is engraved with extracts from The Book of History and The Book of Changes transcribed by Emperor Kangxi Though the Palace of Heavenly Purity was the residence of the Ming emperors, they usually lived in the partitioned-off sections r side halls of the Palace. Most Ming emperors passed away here. Their coffins would be placed here for 27 days before moved to the Ming tombs.

Relevant attractions in the Forbidden City

Palace of Heavenly Purity
Palace of Earthly Tranquility
Hall of Luminous Benevolence
Hall of Expanding Virtue
Hall of Union and Peace