Hongyi Pavilion

　　The Hongyi Pavilion is located on the west side of the square in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, standing opposite the Tiren Pavilion. It was first built in the 18th year of the Yongle reign during the Ming Dynasty (1420), initially called the Wulou in the early Ming period, and renamed the Hongyi Pavilion in the early Qing Dynasty.

　　During the Qing Dynasty, it served as the silver treasury of the Imperial Household Department, storing gold, silver, copper coins, jewels, jade artifacts, and gold and silver utensils. The gold and silver tableware used for imperial banquets was prepared by the treasury and returned there after use.

　　The Hongyi Pavilion and the Tiren Pavilion serve as symmetrical flanking structures to the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Their architectural forms are entirely identical. The Tiren Pavilion was destroyed by fire during the Qianlong era and was rebuilt based on the model of the Hongyi Pavilion. As these two pavilions flank the Hall of Supreme Harmony, their design had to reflect both hierarchy and harmony without creating too much disparity that would disrupt visual balance. Therefore, they were constructed in the form of towers with a waist eave between the two floors, featuring a flat terrace and a single-eave hip-and-gable roof. This design gives them a height of 23.8 meters—equivalent to seven-tenths of the Hall of Supreme Harmony's height, and taller than the adjacent side halls—neither violating architectural hierarchy nor making the flanking structures appear insignificant, while also eliminating the rigidity of the architectural space.

　　These two pavilions complement the main structure, making the entire architectural complex appear even more magnificent.

　　The Qing rulers originated from the Manchu ethnic group, a minority from the northeastern region. As part of the northern nomadic, fishing, and hunting peoples, like other northern ethnicities, they had a strong preference for gold and silver items. After entering the Central Plains, they retained their traditional admiration for gold and silver artifacts.

　　Gold and silver items used by the Qing imperial family were widespread in areas such as ceremonial protocols, sacrifices, daily life, and Buddhist practices. They were subject to strict and specific regulations regarding quantity, pattern designs, and purity, reflecting a rigid hierarchical system.

　　The sources of gold and silver artifacts included those manufactured by the Imperial Household Department’s workshops and tributes from local governors. Many Qing-era gold and silver items have been passed down, with numerous fine pieces among them. For example, a set of 16 golden bianzhong (musical chimes) used for the imperial ceremonies, created in the 54th year of the Kangxi reign (1715), weighed over 460 kilograms. These were played during grand state events, producing pure and bright tones that enhanced the splendor and mystery of the ceremonies. At the time, they had become ceremonial instruments symbolizing imperial majesty. Additionally, even astronomical instruments featured gold inlay and jade or jewel embellishments—for instance, the existing gold-inlaid pearl celestial globe in the Forbidden City—which shows the unprecedented development of gold and silver craftsmanship during the Qing Dynasty.

　　As the main storage site for court gold and silver artifacts during the Qing Dynasty, the importance of the Hongyi Pavilion goes without saying. Today, visitors to the Hongyi Pavilion can admire some exquisitely preserved ancient artworks, experiencing diverse cultural meanings and ensuring a worthwhile visit.

　　The Hall of Supreme Harmony, commonly known as the Golden Throne Hall, is the finest example of ancient Chinese palace architecture, one of the Three Great Halls of the East, and the largest existing wooden structure hall in China. Located at a prominent position along the north-south central axis of the Beijing Forbidden City (Palace Museum), it was built in the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1420) and originally called the Hall of Heavenly Purity.

　　In the 41st year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1562), it was renamed the Hall of Imperial Supremacy, and then renamed to its current name in the 2nd year of the Shunzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1645). After its construction, it was burned down several times and rebuilt multiple times. The current hall is the structure rebuilt in the 34th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1695).

Palace Museum

Palace of Purity and Harmony

Hall of Supreme Harmony

Gate of Divine Prowess

Hall of Preserving Harmony

Hall of Imperial Supremacy

Hall of Military Eminence

Palace of Heavenly Purity

Hall of Heavenly Purity

Palace of Longevity and Health

Studio of the Three Rarities

Hall of Mental Cultivation

Palace of Longevity and Peace

Imperial Garden

Palace of Eternal Spring