Three Southern Courtyards in the Forbidden City

As residences for princes in the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Three Southem Courtyards in the Forbidden City consist of three independent but sideby-side courtyards, the middle one is the Hall of Gathering Fragrance and served as residence of the crown prince. In the Ming dynasty, the Hall was named the Hall of Respecting Origination and Palace of Origination and Root, meaning that the crown rince was the root and origination of the whole country. One of the three famous cases of the Ming dynasty called “hitting case” occurred here. On 4 May of the 43rd year of the Wanli Period 16is), an unknown man with a club in his hand entered the Gate of Eastern Flower and headed towards the residence of Zhu Changluo, the crown prince, attempting to kill him. After he man was arrested and interrogated, the Wanli Emperor felt awkward since the case might have something to do with his favorite concubine, so he hastily wound up this case by labeling this man as “mad” and had him executed.

Relevant attractions in the Forbidden City

Hall of Literary Brilliance
Pavilion of Literary Profundity
Palace of Benevolent Tranquility
Hall of Eminent Flowers
Hall of Central Uprightness
Pavilion of Rain of Flowers
Palace of Double Glories
Lodge of Fresh Fragrance
Garden of Creating Happiness
The Three Southern Courtyards
The Hall of Gathering Fragrance