Hall of Supreme Harmony

hall, Beijing, China

Also known as: T’ai-ho tien, Taihedian

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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The Hall of Supreme Harmony (Tai He Dian) is the largest wooden structure in China and a significant part of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Built between 1406 and 1420, this hall was historically used by the emperor to receive officials. The current structure dates from 1695. It stands on a white marble terrace and features a double-eaved yellow-tiled roof supported by numerous wooden columns. The interior is richly decorated with intricate carvings and paintings, notably featuring numerous dragon motifs, symbolizing the emperor's power. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is a prime example of traditional Chinese architecture.12

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Beijing
Public and commercial buildings
…north is the massive, double-tiered Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian), once the throne hall. A marble terrace rises above the marble balustrades that surround it, upon which stand beautiful ancient bronzes in the shapes of caldrons, cranes, turtles, compasses, and ancient measuring instruments. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the…
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…north is the massive, double-tiered Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian), once the throne hall. A marble terrace rises above the marble balustrades that surround it, upon which stand beautiful ancient bronzes in the shapes of caldrons, cranes, turtles, compasses, and ancient measuring instruments. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the…
Read More

Chinese architecture
The Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
…115 feet]), known as the Hall of Supreme Harmony. (The names and specific functions of many of the main halls were changed several times during the Ming and Qing [1644–1911/12] dynasties.) To their north lies a smaller-scale trio, the main halls of the inner court, in which the emperor and…
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…115 feet]), known as the Hall of Supreme Harmony. (The names and specific functions of many of the main halls were changed several times during the Ming and Qing [1644–1911/12] dynasties.) To their north lies a smaller-scale trio, the main halls of the inner court, in which the emperor and…
Read More

Forbidden City
…above the space stands the Hall of Supreme Harmony, in which the throne of the emperor stands. This hall, measuring 210 by 122 feet (64 by 37 metres), is the largest single building in the compound, as well as one of the tallest (being approximately the same height as the…
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…above the space stands the Hall of Supreme Harmony, in which the throne of the emperor stands. This hall, measuring 210 by 122 feet (64 by 37 metres), is the largest single building in the compound, as well as one of the tallest (being approximately the same height as the…
Read More