Hall of Literary Glory

Hall of Literary Glory

The Hall of Literary Glory is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Hall of Literary Glory, a structure within the Forbidden City in Beijing, is located east of the Xiehe Gate in the Outer Court, facing the Hall of Martial Valor from afar. Situated in the eastern part of the Forbidden City, it once served as the "working place of the crown prince." According to the theory of the Five Elements, the east corresponds to wood and the color green, symbolizing growth—hence its use as the crown prince’s palace.

The Hall of Literary Glory was first built in the early Ming Dynasty, located east of the Xiehe Gate in the Outer Court and facing the Hall of Martial Valor from afar. Owing to its position in the eastern part of the Forbidden City and its former role as the "crown prince’s workplace," according to the theory of the Five Elements where the east represents wood (symbolized by the color green, denoting growth), the roof of this palace used by the crown prince was covered with green glazed tiles. Initially, the Hall of Literary Glory served as a convenient hall frequently used by the emperor. During the Ming dynasties of TianShun and ChengHua, before ascending the throne, the crown prince would temporarily conduct state affairs here. Later, as most crown princes were very young and unable to participate in governance, in the 15th year of the JiaJing reign (1536), it reverted to being an imperial convenience hall, later becoming the venue for the Imperial Lecture Ceremony, after which its roof tiles were changed to yellow. In the 17th year of the JiaJing reign (1538), the Hall of Sacred Mercy was added behind the main hall. When Li Zicheng captured the Forbidden City at the end of the Ming Dynasty, most structures of the Hall of Literary Glory were destroyed. Reconstruction began in the 22nd year of the Kangxi reign in the Qing Dynasty (1683). At that time, the Hall of Martial Valor still existed, so “all measurements and styles followed the old patterns.” In [a later period], the damaged areas were renovated on the original foundation.

Architecturally, the Hall of Literary Glory flanks the right side of the Three Great Halls and serves as a complement to them in function. In front of the Hall lies the Wenhua Gate, while the ZhuJing Hall stands behind it, with side halls extending east-west. To the east lies a cross-court known as the Hall of Mind Transmission, where Confucius was worshipped prior to the Imperial Lecture Ceremony. Within the courtyard is a well called the Great Kitchen Well, famed throughout the capital for its sweet-tasting water. The main hall follows a 工-shaped layout. The front hall, also named the Hall of Literary Glory, faces south, spanning five bays in width and three in depth, with a hip-and-gable roof covered in yellow glazed tiles. The central bay features six-panel doors with intricate lattice patterns, while the side and end bays have lattice windows, each with four panels of similar design. Each gable wall has one square window. A raised terrace extends in front of the hall, connected by a path directly to the Wenhua Gate. The rear hall, called the ZhuJing Hall, closely resembles the front hall but is slightly shallower in depth. The two are connected by a covered walkway. The east and west side halls are named the Hall of Humanity and the Hall of Righteousness, respectively.

Originally built as the main hall for crown princes, the Hall of Literary Glory had a roof covered in green tiles. Later, since several young princes were unable to handle state affairs, it was officially converted into an imperial convenience hall in the 15th year of the JiaJing reign (1536), with the roof tiles changed to yellow. It became the venue for the famous Imperial Lecture Ceremony.

During both the Ming and Qing dynasties, emperors presided over the Imperial Lecture Ceremony during the spring and autumn equinoxes. In the Qing Dynasty, grand secretaries, ministers, chief censors, and vice ministers served as lecturers, with eight Manchus and eight Han Chinese appointed. Each year, two Manchus and two Han Chinese respectively lectured on the “Classics” and the “Books.” The emperor himself would write an imperial discourse, sharing insights from studying the “Four Books and Five Classics.” After the ceremony, tea and seating were bestowed. The grading of palace examination papers during the Ming and Qing dynasties also took place in the Hall of Literary Glory. Court officials knelt before the emperor to listen to his discourses. The culturally accomplished emperors of the Qing Dynasty—Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong—often grew animated during their lectures and, in high spirits, would call on specific officials for debate. Afterwards, the emperor would offer everyone a cup of tea and a brief rest. Finally, as a special reward for those fortunate enough to attend, the emperor would lead them through the back door of the Hall of Literary Glory to the adjacent Hall of Literary Depth (Wenyuan Ge), allowing the officials to browse its collection of books.

During the Ming Dynasty, there was an official position known as the Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Glory. Established in the 15th year of the Hongwu reign (1382), it was initially a fifth-rank post meant to tutor the crown prince, but later evolved into an advisory role close to the emperor. The position gained increasing prestige during the Renzong era. The Qing Dynasty continued the Ming system, appointing grand secretaries as first-rank officials. Originally, the Hall of Literary Glory also bore the titles of the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, but in the 13th year of the Qianlong reign (1748), the Hall of Central Harmony was abolished, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony was seldom used. After Qianlong, the Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Glory often ranked first among the Four Grand Secretaries.

Location

Inside the Palace Museum, 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Palace Museum

Palace of Purity

Hall of Supreme Harmony

Gate of Divine Prowess

Hall of Preserving Harmony

Hall of Martial Valor

Palace of Earthly Tranquility

Palace of Heavenly Purity

Studio of Three Rarities

Palace of Compassion and Tranquility

Hall of Mental Cultivation

Palace of Longevity and Health

Imperial Garden of the Forbidden City

Palace of Eternal Spring

Meridian Gate

Gate of Glorious Virtue

Gate of Supreme Harmony

Hall of Union