Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua dian)

< 1 2 3 >

The Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua dian) is the main building in an architectural compound that lies to the far east of the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe dian).

It was the residence of the heir apparent during the early period of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), with green glazed tiles covering the roof. Since 1536, it was reserved for the emperor as his secondary hall. Accordingly, the tiles were changed into yellow, the color of the emperor. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the imperial lecture was regularly held in this hall and papers of the "Palace Examination” were reviewed here, too. Those prominent mandarins would feel so honored to be given the title of the "Grant Secretary of the Hall of Literary Brilliance”.