The Forbidden City

Hall of Complete Harmony

Chung Ho Tien (Hall of Complete Harmony), which was built in 1420 (18th year of Ming Emperor Yung Lo's reign), rebuilt in 1627 (7th year of Ming Emperor Tien Chi's reign) and repaired in 1690 (29th year of Ching Emperor Kang Hsi's reign). It is one of the main buildings of the Imperial Palace. The Emperor would take a rest and receive the homage of his attendants in this hall before going to take ceremonies.
Pao Ho Tien (Hall of Preserving Harmony) was built in 1420, rebuilt in 1625 and repaired in 1765 (30th year of Emperor Chien Lung's reign). From 1789 (54th year of Chien Lung's reign) onwards, this hall was the site for the "palace examination", which was the highest stage in the imperial examination system.

Those who passed this examination got the title Chin Shih, and the first three on the list won the title of Chuang Yuan, Pang Yen and Tan Hua respectively. The imperial examination built a scholar-official elite to help maintain their rule. Hi-Res Pic (174K)