Hall of Supreme Harmony

I am the Hall of Supreme Harmony, commonly known as the Throne Hall, the most magnificent hall within the Forbidden City. I stand on a three-tiered white marble terrace, rising 35. 05 meters in total height—the tallest building in Beijing during the Ming and Qing dynasties, worthy of the title 'First Hall of China. ' On my double-eaved hip roof sit the largest chiwen ornaments in the Forbidden City, each weighing 4. 3 tons; along the ridges, eleven immortal and mythical beast figures line up, the most of any existing ancient building. Inside, among my 72 columns, six giant pillars are decorated with gilded cloud-and-dragon patterns, with all dragon heads turned toward the throne. Emperors held their enthronement and wedding ceremonies here. I am the symbol of imperial power, every detail deliberately striving for uniqueness. Remember: I have witnessed the glory of 24 emperors and endured seven fires and reconstructions—the hall you see today was reborn in the 34th year of the Kangxi reign.