The design of the Forbidden City follows the principles of harmonious feng shui, balancing yin and yang, heaven and earth. A prime example is the Inner Court, which features three main palaces based on the yin-yang principle: the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility

 

According to the I Ching (Book of Changes), the emperor represents the yang aspect and heaven, thus residing in the Palace of Heavenly Purity. The Palace of Earthly Tranquility corresponds to the earth and the yin aspect. The Hall of Union represents peace and unity, serving as the link between heaven and earth, harmonizing the yin and yang energies.