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Hall of Earthly Tranquility Last Update : 2006-12-6 13:59:02
 The Hall of Earthly Tranquility (Kunning Gong) was built in 1420 and was the empress' residence in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In 1655 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the hall was restored and divided into two parts. The two chambers in the east were changed into bridal rooms for the emperor and empress; while the remaining four chambers were used as a place of worship.  Last Update : 2006-12-6 13:59:31
With red-painted walls, beautiful lanterns and many Chinese characters of 'Xi (joy)', the bridal room shows a ubiquitous gaiety. Both the bed-curtain and the quilt are embroidered with a design of one hundred vivacious children with different expressions, conveying a wish that the newlyweds will have many children. The emperor and empress spent several nights in the chambers after their wedding. Last Update : 2006-12-6 13:59:44
The chambers for worship in the west are different from the other halls in their layout. In the Qing Dynasty, daily sacrificial rituals, including a morning rite and an evening rite were conducted at the halls. On hecatomb days, the first day and the fifteenth day of every month, the emperor and empress attended the rituals in person.
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