Zhonghe Hall is one of the three main halls of the outer court in the Forbidden City, located between the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. Initially constructed during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty and originally named the Hall of the Flowery Canopy, it was renamed the Hall of Ultimate Harmony during the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty. After the Qing Dynasty’s Shunzhi Emperor took residence in the Forbidden City, it was renamed Zhonghe Hall, symbolizing the pursuit of harmony and balance through the Doctrine of the Mean.
Emperors would rest in Zhonghe Hall before proceeding to the Hall of Supreme Harmony for grand ceremonies and accept the court’s homage. During personal sacrifices, such as those at the Altar of Heaven and Earth, the Emperor would review the memorials and documents in preparation for the ceremony the day before in Zhonghe Hall. Before the ceremony at the Altar of Agriculture, seeds and agricultural tools were inspected here. The architectural design of the four sides of the hall is inspired by the ancient ‘Mingtang’. In the center of the hall stands the emperor’s throne, flanked by two sedan chairs. Sedan chairs are a type of palanquin used primarily for the emperor’s movement within the Forbidden City. Opening hours: November 1st to March 31st, Tuesday to Sunday, 08:30-16:30; April 1st to October 31st, Tuesday to Sunday, 08:30-17:00; Closed all day on Mondays; New Year’s Day and Spring Festival, 08:30-16:30; Qingming Festival, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day, 08:30-17:00.Zhonghe Hall
Zhonghe Hall is one of the three main halls of the outer court in the Forbidden City, located betwee[...]
