Jiaotaidian (Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union)

Jiaotaidian, the Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union, was first built in 1420 and rebuilt in 1655 and 1798 respectively. It indicates the emperor and empress have a nice marriage. It looks like Zhonghedian (the Hall of Central Harmony) in shape and is the smallest among the three main palaces in the Inner Court. Usually empresses would receive formal birthday greetings here.

To the right of the throne, visitors will see ancient Chinese water pot-equivalent of sandglass and to the left there is a chime clock. The two timers used to be the reference of the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower. In addition, the palace also holds 25 imperial seals. Since Emperor Qianlong hoped that the Qing Dynasty could last 25 reigns to exceed the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256BC), the longest dynasty in China. However history disappointed him, the Qing Dynasty only lasted ten reigns.

Kunninggong (Palace of Earthly Tranquility)

Kunninggong (Palace of Earthly Tranquility) was first built in 1420 and restored in 1655. It was the only Manchurian architecture in the Forbidden City and residence palace of the empress during the Ming and the Qing dynasties. However, in the Qing Dynasty, the bridal emperor and empress only lived in the East Warmth Chamber of this palace for a few days. Later the emperor would move to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. The empress would move to other palace. The emperor's bridal chamber (the East Warmth Chamber) was painted red and there were palace lamps pasted with red Double Happiness to heat up happy atmosphere. The delicate and exquisite embroidered bed curtain and quilt both features a hundred playing children. The emperors all expected more children to show imperial family's prosperity.

In the West Warmth Chamber, sacrifice would be held every day. On important occasions, emperors and empresses would preside over the ceremonies themselves.

Behind the palace, it is the Kunningmen, the Gate of Terrestrial Tranquility, with imperial doctors' duty room, dispensary and eunuchs duty room flanking it.