Hall of Preserved Harmony 保和殿

Up next is the second largest hall in the Forbidden City. This is the Hall of Preserved Harmony. This hall looks much like the Hall of Supreme Harmony and actually was used for similar purposes. The hall was used for special occasions such as banquets for visitors and sometimes wedding ceremonies. When the other parts of the Forbidden City were still under renovation, this hall served as the residence of some emperors. Other times, it served as examination area for aspiring officials, something which is unthinkable now.

The hall is large as expected but somehow more roomy, this is probably because of the use of pillars which give the hall much more room. The hall like other parts of the Forbidden City has been razed by fire several times and it has obviously been rebuilt several times. I guess that is why they have so many vats of water lying around the palace grounds. Inside is another throne room with the words of Emperor Qianlong emblazoned behind it.

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