Hall of Preserved Harmony

Baohedian, the Hall of Preserved Harmony, sits on the northern end of the three-tier marble terrace, similar in style but a bit smaller than the Hall of Supreme Harmony and larger than the Hall of Central Harmony. It was first built in 1420, rebuilt in 1625 and renovated in 1765. In the Ming dynasty, emperors usually change their clothes here before ceremonies of conferring empress or crown prince. In the Qing dynasty, imperial banquets usually would be given here. To celebrate a princess's marriage, emperors would invite high officials, the bridegroom and his father, and their relatives who served the imperial government to a banquet. Every year, on the eve of the New Year's Eve, banquets would be held to feast and honor margraves, Mongol princes and civil and military officials.

 

In 1789, middle of the Qing dynasty, Emperor Qianlong removed Palace Examination, the highest level and final stage of the nationwide imperial examination system, from the Hall of Supreme Harmony to the hall. Emperors would read papers of the top ten candidates to honor them.

 

In rainy days, visitors will have chance to see the spectacular scene of a thousand dragons draining water. There are 1,412 marble stone dragon heads under the columns of the three-tier terrace on which the three main halls are seated. Chinese artisans smartly combined drainage system with architectural art. Once you get a chance to the Forbidden City, please notice the holes in dragons' mouths. However, the ones in the corners have no holes

 

Tired? Go behind the hall to have a rest and appreciate the Huge Stone Carving by the way.