Hall of Supreme Harmony

You are standing before the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the most important building in the entire Forbidden City. Known colloquially as the Golden Throne Hall, it sits atop a three-tiered marble terrace and is the largest wooden structure in China. This is where emperors held their grandest ceremonies: coronations, imperial weddings, and the announcement of military campaigns. The hall contains the Dragon Throne, carved from sandalwood and gilded in gold. Look at the roof — it features the highest number of roof figurines of any building in the complex, eleven in total, signifying supreme status. The bronze tortoises and cranes on the terrace symbolize longevity and eternal rule.