This hall was the principal residence of the emperor in the Ming and early Qing dynasties, where the son of heaven slept and worked. Later in the Qing dynasty, events were held here such as the 'Banquets for a Thousand Elders', which saw Emperor Kangxi and subsequently Qianlong invite retired officials from around the empire to dine with them, in a grand display of filial piety.
Palace of Heavenly Purity
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