Imperial palace (Hall of Supreme Harmony) - Forbidden City (Beijing, China)
N 39° 54.930 E 116° 23.441
50S E 447924 N 4418556
This French stamp is devoted to the Imperial Palace (Palais impérial), the heart of the immense Forbidden City palace complex in Beijing. Imperial Palace is better known under name "Hall of Supreme Harmony" or "Taihe Dian".
Waymark Code: WM6K2H
Location: China
Date Posted: 06/12/2009
Views: 57
Imperial Palace or Hall of Supreme Harmony (In Chinese: Taihe Dian) is the most striking building in the entire Forbidden City. Entering Taihe Men (Gate of Supreme Harmony), you will see Taihe Dian across the spacious square, which covers of 30 000 m². The Hall of Supreme Harmony, is the highest building in the Forbidden City and not even trees could overshadow it. Hall of Supreme Harmony is also called the "Throne Hall" or "Golden Carriage Palace". It was first built in 1420, but was burnt down several times, and the present hall was rebuilt in 1695.
Hall of Supreme Harmony used to be the place where emperors received high officials and exercised their rule over the nation. Grand ceremonies would be held here when a new emperor ascended the throne. It was also used for ceremonies which marked emperors' birthdays, wedding ceremonies, Winter Solstice, the Chinese New Year and the dispatch of generals into fields of war.