IMG_2118.JPG

The Tai He Dian plus the terrace on which it sits. The Tai He Dian is where the official imperial business was done. Link to map of the Forbidden City. Info from the plaque next to it:

Tai He Dian (Hall of Supreme Harmony)

As the first and main hall of the three major halls of the outer court of the Forbidden City, Tai He Dian is commonly known as the Hall of Golden Chimes. First constructed in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, the hall was rebuilt several times after a number of fires caused by lightning. The present Tai He Dian was constructed in 1695. Constructed on a three-tiered white marble base, the hall is 11 bays wide, five bays deep, and 35.05 meters high. With a wudian (thatched hall) style of four fully hipped double roofs, this ancient building has a construction area of 2,377 square meters. The eave corners are decorated with 10 animals, an example of the decoration on China's ancient buildings. The hall is paved with high-quality square clay bricks, commonly known as "golden bricks." The throne is located on the axial line of the Imperial Palace. Above the throne there is a board with an inscription written by Emperor Qian-long, reading "Jian Ji Sui You" (People's Sovereign and Great Plan). The caisson in the center of the ceiling has a carved crouching dragon with a bright pearl (known as a "Xuanyuan Mirror") in its mouth. Arranged around the terrace in front of the hall are a sundial and grain measure---symbols of imperial power, as well as bronze turtles and cranes---symbols of longevity. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, important ceremonies and celebrations were held at Tai He Dian, such as the lunar New Year, the Winter Solstics, the birthday of the emperor, the enthronement of a new emperor, installing an empress, announcing the names of successful candidates in official examinations and sending generals out to battle. The words "Tai He" come from The Book of Changes, meaning "harmonious operation of all things on earth."

Page: 15 of 44 (34%)