Beijing | Palace Museum Inner Court

Inner Court of the Forbidden City

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At the center of the 'Inner Court' lies the Hall of Celestial Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union and Peace, and the Hall of Terrestrial or Earthly Transquility, which are symmetrically flanked by the Six East Palaces and the Six West Palaces.

Jingshan Park & Coal Hill

To the north of the Qianqing Gate or "Gate of Obedience and Purity" and directly across from the "Gate of Divine Prowess" (aka "Gate of Divine Might") is Jingshan Park, which is also known as Coal Hill or Jing Shan Hill (below). The hill is artificial, created from the soil excavated to build the palace moat and adjoining lakes. To this day Jingshan Park is a popular morning gathering spot for the locals to preform Tai Chi.

Chongzheng - The Last Ming Emperor

The last Ming emperor Chongzheng hanged himself atop Jingshan Hill (meaning "Prospect Hill" or "Dominating Hill") in 1644, as the rebel Manchu army of Li Zicheng overtook the palace. The Forbidden City is situated to the south of a Jingshan Hill in accordance with the dictates of Feng Shui. This is why Coal Hill is also known as "Feng Shui Hill."

Yangxin Hall - Qing Dynasty Throne

Yangxin Hall was where the emperors of the Qing Dynasty met with their ministers.

The horizontal board above the throne (below left) in Yangxin Hall is inscribed with "Zhong Zheng Ren He," written by Emperor Yong Zheng (1678 - 1735), the fourth emperor of the Manchu Qing Dynasty.

The wedding bedroom and bridal chambers are surprisingly intimate, possibly due to the need conserve heat during the cold Beijing winters. The bedroom to the right belonged to Empress Ci Xi (Cixi) known as the "Dragon Lady," "Empress Dowager," or "the power behind the curtain," as she was a surrogate ruler for nearly 50 years.

Tai'he Hall - Ming Dynasty Throne

Tai'he Hall's gold-painted throne was created during the Ming Dynasty (below left), and was used to enthrone the emperor when he performed important ceremonies and handed down official edicts. The throne is surrounded by six golden pillars encircled by golden dragons, and the ceiling contains a phoenix above the throne.

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