Hall
of Metal Cultivation,
also called Yangxindian, was the most important building besides the
Hall of supreme Harmony in the Qing Dynasty. Starting from the reign
of Emperor Yongzheng, the Qing emperors held private audiences and handled
state affairs here.
Announcing
the function of the Hall of Mental Cultivation
The main hall of Hall of Mental Cultivation was used as the audience
chamber, where the emperor read documents, granted audience to officials
and summoned his ministers for consultation.
Discover
the display of this hall
The emperor's throne is in the center of the hall. Behind it are bookshelves
on both sides, keeping books on the experiences and lessons that the
preceding emperors had drawn in ruling the country.
The plaque
hanging above the throne bears the Chinese characters meaning "just
and benevolent" in Emperor Yongzheng's handwriting.
The
west chamber of the Hall of Metal Cultivation was the place where the
emperor read reports, signed the documents and discussed military and
political affairs with his officials. In 1746, Emperor Qianlong kept
his three precious calligraphy masterpieces by Wangxizhi, Wangxianzhi
and Wang xun in this chamber, hence the name "Room of Three Rare
Treasures".
The east
chamber was the place where empress Dowager Cixi Gave audience behind
a screen during the reigns of Emperor Tongzhi (1862-1874) and Guangxu
(1875-1908).
North of
the front hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation is a covered corridor,
which connects the front and back halls. The back hall comprises the
emperor's bedchamber. On the east of the chamber is Tishuntang (the
Hall of Manifest Compliance)-the residence of the empress. A piece of
crystal stone was placed in the courtyard to remind the empress to be
honest and upright. To the west is Yanxitang (the Hall of Festive Joy),
the waiting room for concubines and palace maids called upon to wait
on the emperor.
Beijing Tour Routes Includes Forbidden City:
Photo of Forbidden City
    
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