The Palace of Heavenly Purity was built upon a marble foundation with double-layered glazed tile roofs, covering an expansive area of 1,400 square meters. It served as the residence and working quarters for the emperor, standing as the largest and most luxuriously decorated palace within the Forbidden City, epitomizing the emperor's supreme authority. In traditional Chinese philosophy, the emperor represents the yang principle and Heaven, thus residing in the Palace of Heavenly Purity. During the Qing Dynasty, starting from Emperor Yongzheng's reign, the palace was utilized for imperial court sessions, political discussions, judicial proceedings, receiving envoys, and hosting banquets.

 

At the entrance of the palace, a unique pair of golden lions with drooping ears and half-closed eyes flank the pathway. These lions symbolize a subtle admonition to the empress and concubines. According to Ming and Qing regulations, imperial consorts, including the empress, were prohibited from interfering in state affairs; violations resulted in severe punishment. The lions serve as a reminder to all who enter the Palace of Heavenly Purity to refrain from eavesdropping, recognize their place, and focus on their duties.

 

Flanking the east and west sides of the Palace of Heavenly Purity are two halls, Zhaoren Hall and Hongde Hall