Which buildings make up the main Outer Court and Inner Court of the Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City is organized into two primary sections, the Outer Court and the Inner Court, which are arranged along a central north-south axis.12
The Outer Court
The Outer Court served as the administrative heart of the imperial palace. It is defined by three main halls situated atop a three-tiered marble terrace:12
* Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian): The largest building in the complex and the site of the emperor's throne.12
* Hall of Central (or Complete) Harmony (Zhonghedian): Used by the emperor as a place to rest before proceeding to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.12
* Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohedian): A location for various government functions.12
The Inner Court
The Inner Court functioned as the imperial living quarters and contains three primary halls:12
* Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqinggong): Used for family audiences, state business, and various ceremonies.2
* Hall of Union (Jiaotaidian): One of the three main residential halls.2
* Palace of Earthly Tranquillity (Kunninggong): Served as an imperial family residence.2