Ancient rituals demanded respect. The Palace of Abstinence stands as a testament to this. This is where emperors prepared themselves. They purified body and mind before the Heaven Worshipping Ceremony. This palace offered a space for emperors to abstain from worldly pleasures.
During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, emperors would arrive three days prior to the ceremony. They sought solitude and a simple vegetarian diet. No wine, no entertainment, and certainly no court intrigue were allowed. Imagine the challenge for an emperor accustomed to luxury.
In 1731, Emperor Yongzheng changed the ritual. He feared for his safety alone outside the Forbidden City. He ordered an Inner Palace of Abstinence to be built within the Forbidden City. He would spend two days there. Then, the emperor would transfer to this Palace of Abstinence in the Temple of Heaven only the night before the ceremony. In fact, he only stayed about four hours inside this palace.
Notice the two walls enclosing the Palace of Abstinence. The outer Brick Wall stretches 66 meters. The inner Purple Wall measures 41 meters. A cloister with 167 rooms once housed royal guards. Over 1,300 delicate colored paintings adorned this cloister.
Let’s step inside the Beamless Hall. It stands in the center. This hall is unique. It is supported only by the walls and a brick dome. No beams hold it up. Emperor Qianlong’s inscription, “Admirable as Heaven,” marks the lintel. Originally, the hall had seven rooms. Now, four serve as exhibition spaces.
These exhibitions showcase the history and evolution of the architecture. They highlight the abstinence ceremony and its relics. They depict officials fasting. You’ll also find portraits of the 22 emperors who worshipped here. Thirteen were from the Ming Dynasty and nine from the Qing Dynasty.
Behind the Beamless Hall lies the Resting Palace. Inside, you’ll find tables, porcelains, and ornaments. The Study Room displays bookshelves and the “four treasures of study”. These include a writing brush, ink stick, ink slab, and paper. The bedroom features a couch made for the emperor. Rooms for preparing meals, tea, and fruit are on the north and south sides. Princes also had a palace here to fast.
Finally, look to the northeast corner. There, you’ll see the Belfry. This double-layered bell tower houses the Bell of Supreme Harmony. Cast during Yongle’s reign in the Ming Dynasty, the bell is huge. It stands 2.8 meters tall and its body is carved with beautiful pictures. Its sound carried far. It announced the emperor’s departure, his arrival at the altar, and the ceremony’s end. Today, visitors can strike the bell. They pray for good fortune and happiness.
The Palace of Abstinence served as a crucial space. It was where emperors prepared to connect with the divine. It reminds us of the importance of purification and respect in ancient Chinese rituals.