Hall of Supreme Harmony

　　The Hall of Supreme Harmony was originally named the Hall of Heavenly Praise. It was built in the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1420) and renamed the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the 41st year of the Jiajing reign (1562). In the 2nd year of the Shunzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1645), it was renamed the Hall of Supreme Harmony (commonly known as the "Golden Throne Hall"). Since its construction, it has been burned down repeatedly and rebuilt many times. The current structure dates back to its reconstruction in the 34th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1695). The Hall of Heavenly Praise / Hall of Supreme Harmony / Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest existing wooden-structured hall in China.

　　As the main building of the Ningxia Palace area, it was initially constructed in the 28th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1689) and was first named the Ningxia Palace. Between the 37th (1772) and 41st years (1776) of the Qianlong reign, when renovating the Ningxia Palace complex, the Ningxia Palace was renamed the Hall of Supreme Harmony, serving as the venue where Emperor Qianlong presided over court ceremonies after abdicating. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is located at the front of the central axis of the Ningxia Palace area, standing in a row with the rear hall, also called the Ningxia Palace, atop a single-layer stone platform. Its design resembles that of the Hall of Heavenly Purity. The hall faces south and is nine bays wide and five bays deep, reflecting the imperial “nine-five” symbolism. It features a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof covered with yellow glazed tiles, with a front corridor and golden-carved dragon brackets under the beams. The central bay, along with the left and right side bays, are fitted with doors, while the other side bays have railings. The rear eaves’ central and side bays open to the back door, leading to the Ningxia Palace, with the rest of the bays walled off. Inside the hall are four gilded coiled-dragon columns, an octagonal gilded caisson ceiling, and an imperial throne below—its rank is second only to that of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. On the left inside the hall is a bronze clepsydra, and on the right is a large chiming clock, both exquisitely crafted.

　　The hall is built atop a bluestone Sumeru pedestal with a front terrace. The imperial path connects with the walkway, extending straight through the Ningxia Gate, surrounded by white marble railings. There are steps on either side of the terrace and on both sides of the walkway. Flanking the hall are hanging flower gates and screen walls, which connect respectively to the east and west side halls, dividing the courtyard into front and rear sections. Doors in the side halls include the Ningqi Gate to the east and the Changze Gate to the west.

　　On the left and right sides of the Hall of Supreme Harmony’s dais are placed a sundial and a measuring vessel, important symbols of imperial authority. Along the imperial path are six hexagonal Sumeru pedestals, each topped with a double-eaved hexagonal pavilion. Each face of the pavilions is inscribed with three seal-script characters for “longevity.” At the center of the stone pedestals is a cast iron core, which from the 23rd of December to the 15th of January each year would hold a lantern pole, exemplifying an ancient multi-purpose base. Today, only the pedestals remain. Additionally, in the 38th year of the Qianlong reign (1773), a pair of bronze turtles, a pair of bronze cranes, and two pairs of bronze tripods were made and installed, none of which survive today.

　　The Hall of Supreme Harmony was reconstructed based on the layout of the Hall of Heavenly Purity. In the first year of the Jiaqing reign (1796), shortly after the abdication ceremony, the retired Emperor Qianlong held the “Banquet of a Thousand Elders” here, inviting men over 90 years old. Attendees included over 5,000 officials, elders, and guests. It was renovated in the 7th year of the Jiaqing reign (1805) and the 10th year of the Guangxu reign (1884). In the 20th year of the Guangxu reign (1894), celebrations for Empress Dowager Cixi’s 60th birthday were held here. Around her 70th birthday in the 30th year of the Guangxu reign (1904), she received envoys from nine countries including Austria and the United States here. After Cixi’s death, her coffin was laid in state and funeral ceremonies were conducted here.

　　The original Hall of Supreme Harmony’s decorative paintings were golden-dragon imperial-patterned. For Cixi’s 60th birthday celebrations, the exterior eaves were changed to Su-style heart-and-corner paintings. After renovation in 1979, the appearance from the Qianlong period was restored.

　　In the Palace Museum, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, second in rank only to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, is set to reopen to the public during the “May Day” holiday in 2012, showcasing the original imperial palace appearance in a “preserved display” format. Currently, staff are hanging indoor plaques, inspecting cultural relics, and installing guardrails and visitor pathways. It will open to the public once safety exhibition conditions are met.

　　The Hall of Supreme Harmony is adjacent to the Treasure Gallery. Located in the Ningxia Palace area of the Outer Eastern Road, the Treasure Gallery is one of the most important specialized exhibition spaces in the Palace Museum and has been popular with the public since opening in 1958. It has previously served as exhibition rooms for calligraphy, paintings, and treasures. Since its 2004 redesign, the Hall of Supreme Harmony has not been used as part of the Treasure Gallery but has been planned as a preserved display area and remained closed to the public. After multiple comprehensive redesigns, efforts have been made to integrate traditional ancient architecture with modern exhibition methods, allowing the public to appreciate exquisite exhibits while experiencing the feeling of entering a palace hall. The Palace Museum has stated that the Hall of Supreme Harmony is planned to be open only during major holidays such as Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, “May Day,” “National Day,” and peak summer periods. In case of severe weather, the museum may adjust opening hours at any time based on specific circumstances while ensuring the safety of cultural relics.

Palace Museum

Palace of Purity and Tranquility

Hall of Supreme Harmony

Gate of Divine Might

Hall of Preserving Harmony

Hall of Martial Valor

Palace of Earthly Tranquility

Hall of Heavenly Purity

Palace of Longevity and Health

Studio of Three Rarities

Hall of Mental Cultivation

Palace of Longevity and Peace

Imperial Garden

Palace of Eternal Spring

Meridian Gate