The Palace of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin Dian) features a distinctive "工" shaped structure. Inside, the central chamber houses the emperor's seat. Originally, this hall was the exclusive residence of the empress dowager. However, during the Qing Dynasty, starting from Emperor Yongzheng's reign, it became the emperor's living quarters and a venue for daily consultations with ministers, as well as handling routine state affairs. Notably, there is no throne in the center of the hall. The Palace of Mental Cultivation functioned as both a study and a meeting room for daily governance, serving as the residence for eight Qing emperors.

 

Above the emperor's seat hangs a plaque inscribed with "忠正仁和" (Zhōng Zhèng Rén Hé), meaning “Loyal, upright, benevolent, and harmonious”, penned by Emperor Yongzheng, serving as a reminder that the Son of Heaven must be impartial, upright, benevolent, and always self-disciplined. This represents the highest standard of conduct for the emperor.

 

Flanking the emperor's seat are two small doors, each bearing plaques inscribed with "天哲" (Tiān Zhé), meaning “Heavenly Wisdom”, and "安敦" (Ān Dūn), meaning “Peaceful and Sincere”, symbolizing the hope for the emperor's wise governance and the nation's peace and prosperity.