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This hall was constructed from 1522 to 1566, during the Ming Dynasty. It was rebuilt in 1655 during the Qing Dynasty. This square hall is three bays wide and three bays deep, with single eaves and pyramid-shaped roofs on the four corners. Each roof has a gold-plated top similar to but smaller than that of Zhong He Dian (Hall of the Supreme Harmony). In the center of the hall there is a throne, behind which hang a board inscribed with "Wu Wei", words written by Emperor Kangxi and meaning "doing nothing". Below the board there is a screen with an inscription by Emperor Qianlong, on the left side is a copper clepsydra (a kind of ancient Chinese water clock), and on the right side a bell. In the Qing Dynasty a yearly grand ceremony was held here on the empress' birthday, the lunar new Year and the Winter Solstice. In 1748, Emperor Qianlong placed 25 jade seals, symbolizing imperial power, in this hall. On the "Day for opening Up Treasures" in the first lunar month, the emperor held a great ceremony.
The word "Jiao Tai" come from the "Book of Changes" and mean the union of heaven and earth. Hence, Jiao Tai Hall is situated between Qian Qing Gong (Palace of Heavenly Purity) and Jun Ning Gong (Hall of Earthly Tranquility). |
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