To the west of the Meridian Gate is the Hall of Martial Valour, well worth a detour to see what exhibition is currently installed. During the Ming dynasty, the Hall of Martial Valour, also referred to as the calligraphy hall, was where emperors would receive ministers. Court painters also had their studios here.

South of here is the Furniture Gallery, occupying an area known as the Southern Storehouses, which opened for the first time in 2018.


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3. Gate of Glorious Harmony

0.1 MILES

A portal leading to the Hall of Martial Valour in the western regions of the Forbidden City's outer court.

4. Gate of Supreme Harmony

0.13 MILES

Originally built in 1420, the Gate of Supreme Harmony is the main gate of the Forbidden City's outer court. It was used by the emperor for his morning…

5. Meridian Gate

0.18 MILES

This mighty edifice is the Forbidden City's front door, where all visitors to the Palace Museum pass through. During imperial times, the central channel,…

6. Three Great Halls

0.18 MILES

Raised on a three-tier marble terrace with balustrades are the Three Great Halls, the glorious ceremonial heart not just of the Forbidden City but of the…

7. Hall of Supreme Harmony

0.18 MILES

One of the Three Great Halls, this is the most important and largest structure in the Forbidden City. Built in the 15th century and restored in the 17th…

8. Hall of Central Harmony

0.21 MILES

Behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony is the Hall of Central Harmony, which was used as the emperor’s transit lounge. Here he would make last-minute…