Palace of Celestial Purity

Inside Qianqingmen (Gate of Celestial Palace), you will see Qianqinggong, the Palace of Celestial Purity, which used to be the bedroom palace of emperors.

 

The Palace of Celestial Purity is the smaller twin of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Every item similar with that of the Hall of Supreme Harmony is smaller than the latter. Since it was esteemed inferior to the Hall of Supreme Harmony. However, it is the largest structure in the Inner Court since it is superior to any other structures in the Inner Court. It was built in 1420 and rebuilt in 1798. It didn't survive fires for several times! Ming emperors and the first two Qing emperors live inside the palace and attended to daily state affairs. They also read, signed documents, interviewed ministers and envoys. Banquets and rites occasionally would be held here too. In 1722 and 1785, Banquet for A Thousand Seniors was held here twice. Old men over 60 from the nation presented the events. Emperor Qianlong even sent them presents. Later, Emperor Yongzheng moved his living quarter to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, which is located right to the west of this palace. However, it still played significant role in the imperial life.

 

Moreover, in the Qing dynasty, no matter where the emperor died, his coffin should be set in the palace for a few days to hold memorial ceremonies. Later the coffin would be moved to Jinshan, and then buried into the mausoleum on a selected day.

 

In the middle of the palace, the throne is seated on stairs, surrounded by decorations like cloisonne incense burners, long red candles, and big mirrors, which were placed beside the throne to ward off evil spirits. On the columns surrounding, there are two pairs of couplets written by Qing emperors. Over the throne hangs a plaque engraved with 4 Chinese characters, which were written by Emperor Yongzheng and means Justice and Brightness. From Emperor Yongzheng, crown princes' name would be written on duplicate documents and a copy would be hidden in a box behind the plaque. The other copy would be hidden with the emperor. If the designated names on the two copies were the same, the designated prince would take the crown.

 

Is it different with halls in the Outer Court? Go north to see Jiaotaidian (Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union).