The Hall of Mental Cultivation, constructed during the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, is located to the west of the Qianqing Palace within the Inner Court. It features a ‘gong’-shaped structure with the front hall spanning seven bays and a depth of three bays. Each bay is adorned with two square columns, giving the appearance of nine bays. This hall was the first palace in the Forbidden City to be fitted with glass. The emperor’s throne is situated in the central bay, with the plaque ‘Zhong Zheng Ren He’ inscribed by Emperor Yongzheng hanging above.
The ‘East Warm Pavilion’ to the east of the central bay also houses a throne facing west, which was once the site where Empress Dowager Cixi listened to the court from behind a curtain. The ‘West Warm Pavilion’ to the west of the central bay is divided into several rooms, including a small chamber for the emperor to read memorials and hold secret talks with ministers, the Sanxi Hall, which was Emperor Qianlong’s reading place, as well as a small Buddhist chapel and Meiwu, which served as a place for the emperor to worship Buddha and rest. The Hall of Mental Cultivation is now fully displayed in its original imperial style and is open for visits. The opening hours and business status are subject to the actual conditions on the day.The Palace Museum – Hall of Mental Cultivation
The Hall of Mental Cultivation, constructed during the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, is located to the west of […]
