Hall of Preserving Harmony

Forbidden City, Beijing (map)

This 9-bay hall, situated north of the Hall of Middle Harmony upon the great platform of the Outer Court, had different functions during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In Ming, it was used as a changing room for the Emperor when he proceeded south from his private apartments to the Hall of Supreme Harmony. In Qing, it was used for state banquets and also (from 1789) as the examination hall for the final session of the Civil Service Examinations, which were personally supervised by the emperor.

The roof of the Hall of Preserving Harmony has a gable, showing its lesser importance compared to the (gable-less) Hall of Supreme Harmony. Similarly, the Gate of Supreme Harmony has a gable, which shows that it is less important than the (gable-less) Meridian Gate.