Wenhua Hall

　　Wenhua Hall, a structure in the Beijing Forbidden City, is situated to the east of the Xiehe Gate in the Outer Court, facing the Wuying Hall from east to west. Because it is located in the eastern part of the Forbidden City and was once used as the “working place of the crown prince,” according to the “Five Elements Theory,” the east corresponds to wood, represented by the color green, symbolizing growth, it served as the palace for the crown prince.

　　Wenhua Hall was first built in the early Ming Dynasty, located to the east of the Xiehe Gate in the Outer Court, facing the Wuying Hall from east to west. Because it is located in the eastern part of the Forbidden City and was once used as the “working place of the crown prince,” according to the “Five Elements Theory,” the east corresponds to wood, represented by the color green, symbolizing growth, the roof of the hall used by the crown prince was covered with green glazed tiles. Initially, Wenhua Hall served as a convenient palace frequently used by the emperor. During the Ming Dynasty's TianShun and ChengHua eras, before ascending the throne, the crown prince would perform provisional duties in Wenhua Hall. Later, because most crown princes were very young and unable to participate in state affairs, in the 15th year of the JiaJing reign (1536), it was changed back to a palace for the emperor’s convenience, later becoming the venue for the Ming Dynasty’s imperial lectures. The building was then modified to have a yellow glazed tile roof. In the 17th year of JiaJing (1538), the Shengji Hall was added behind the main hall. At the end of the Ming Dynasty, after Li Zicheng captured the Forbidden City, most of the structures of Wenhua Hall were destroyed. Reconstruction began in the 22nd year of the Qing Kangxi reign (1683). At that time, the Wuying Hall still existed, so “all regulations and styles were based on the old system.” In the [year missing], the Wenhua Hall was renovated again within its original site.

　　Architecturally, Wenhua Hall is the right wing of the Three Great Halls, and functionally, it serves as a complement to the three main halls of the Outer Court. In front of Wenhua Hall is the Wenhua Gate, behind it is the Zhujing Hall, and there are side halls along the east-west axis. On the east side, there is also a cross-court called the Chuanxin Hall, which was the place for offering sacrifices to Confucius before the imperial lectures. There is a well in the courtyard called the Dapao Well, known throughout the capital for its sweet-tasting water. The main hall of Wenhua Hall has a rectangular layout in the shape of the Chinese character “工”. The front hall is the Wenhua Hall itself, facing south, with a width of five bays and a depth of three bays, and a yellow glazed tile hip-and-gable roof. The central bay has six-panel doors with intricate lattice patterns, while the side bays all have lattice windows, each with four panels of similar lattice designs. Each gable wall has one square window. In front of the hall is a raised terrace, with a pathway leading directly to the Wenhua Gate. The rear hall is called the Zhujing Hall, which is similar in design to the Wenhua Hall but slightly shallower in depth. The front and rear halls are connected by a covered corridor. The side halls to the east and west are the Benren Hall and Jiyi Hall, respectively.

　　When Wenhua Hall was first built, it was the main hall for the crown princes, with a green-tiled roof. Later, because several crown princes were very young and unable to handle state affairs, it was officially converted into an imperial convenience hall in the 15th year of the JiaJing reign, with the tiles changed to yellow. The famous imperial lecture ceremony was held here.

　　During both the Ming and Qing dynasties, the emperors presided over the “imperial lectures” during the spring and autumn equinoxes. In the Qing Dynasty, the lecturers were composed of Grand Secretaries, Ministers, Left Censors-in-Chief, and Vice Ministers, with eight Manchu and eight Han officials each. Each year, two Manchu and two Han officials would respectively lecture on the “Classics” and the “Books.” The emperor himself would write an imperial discourse, sharing his insights on studying the “Four Books and Five Classics.” After the ceremony, tea and seating were offered. The imperial examination grading sessions during the Ming and Qing dynasties were also held in Wenhua Hall. The civil officials knelt before the emperor, listening to his discourse. The Qing emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong all had a high level of cultural attainment. When the emperor spoke with enthusiasm, he would even call on civil officials to debate. Then, the emperor would offer everyone a cup of tea and a short rest. Finally, as a special reward for the civil officials fortunate enough to attend the ceremony, the emperor would lead them through the back door of Wenhua Hall to the Wenyuan Pavilion behind the hall, allowing the officials to browse the books stored there.

　　In the Ming Dynasty, there was a position called the “Grand Secretary of Wenhua Hall.” Established in the 15th year of the Hongwu reign (1382), it was of the fifth rank and originally served as an official to tutor the crown prince, later attending to the emperor to provide advice. During the Renzong era, the role gained increasing prestige. The Qing Dynasty continued the Ming system by appointing Grand Secretaries, of the first rank. Originally, Wenhua Hall also had the titles of Zhonghe Hall and Baohedian, but in the 13th year of the Qianlong reign (1748), the Zhonghe Hall was abolished, and the Baohedian was not often used. After Qianlong, the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Hall was often ranked first among the four Grand Secretaries.

The Palace Museum

Zhongcui Palace

Hall of Supreme Harmony

Shenwumen (Gate of Divine Prowess)

Hall of Preserving Harmony

Hall of Imperial Supremacy

Wuying Hall

Palace of Earthly Tranquility

Palace of Heavenly Purity

Cining Palace

Hall of Three Rarities

Hall of Mental Cultivation

Palace of Longevity and Peace

Imperial Garden

Palace of Eternal Longevity