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In the early Ming Dynasty, this hall was called Hua Gia Dian (Hall of Overweklming Glory), but wes renamed Zhong Ji Dian (Hall of Central Extremity) in 1562, and Zhong He Dian in 1645 during the Qing Dynasty. This square building has a single pyramid-shaped roof, with a gold plated bronze covering.
The floor is paved with high-quality square clay bricks, commonly known as "golden bricks". A throne is placed in the center of the hall and a board hangs above the throne with inscription written by emperor Qianlong. The inscription reads : "Yun Zhu Jue Zhong", meaning "The Way of heaven is profound and mysterious and the way of mankind is difficult. Only if we make a precise and unified plan and follow the doctrine of the mean, can we rule the country well".
This hall served as a resting place for the emperor on his way to attend an important ceremony or hold court. Officials kowtowed to the emperor here. The day before the emperor held a sacrificial ceremony he would read the prayer tablet aloud this hall. Before offering sacrifice at the Altar of God of Agriculture, the emperor examined ceremonial farm tools here. After the revision of the imperial pedigree, which was revised ounce every ten years, the emperor read the pedigree out loud and held a grand ceremony at the hall. The word "Zhong He" come from the Book of Rites, meaning "When we handle matters properly and harmoniously without leaning to either side, all things on earth will flourish". |
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