The Forbidden City

Hall of Supreme Harmony

Tai Ho Tien (Hall of Supreme Harmony, commonly called the "Golden Throne Palace", was built in 1420 (18th year of Ming Emperor Yung Lo's reign) and rebuilt in 1695 (34 year of Ching Emperor Kang Hsi's reign). 35.3 meters high (including its base 8.13 meters high) and covering an area of 2,377 square meters, it is the tallest and largest of the palace buildings. Here the Ming and Ching emperors held their coronations, celebrated their birthdays, and conducted festive ceremonies on the Winter Solstice and Lunar New Year. The throne was symbol of imperial power. During ceremonies, the emperor sat on the throne to receive homage from courtiers lined up outside the hall.