<P> Traditionally, the Forbidden City is divided into two parts . The Outer Court (外 朝) or Front Court (前 朝) includes the southern sections, and was used for ceremonial purposes . The Inner Court (内 廷) or Back Palace (后 宫) includes the northern sections, and was the residence of the Emperor and his family, and was used for day - to - day affairs of state . (The approximate dividing line shown as red dash in the plan above .) Generally, the Forbidden City has three vertical axes . The most important buildings are situated on the central north--south axis . </P> <P> Entering from the Meridian Gate, one encounters a large square, pierced by the meandering Inner Golden Water River, which is crossed by five bridges . Beyond the square stands the Gate of Supreme Harmony (F). Behind that is the Hall of Supreme Harmony Square . A three - tiered white marble terrace rises from this square . Three halls stand on top of this terrace, the focus of the palace complex . From the south, these are the Hall of Supreme Harmony (太 和 殿), the Hall of Central Harmony (中 和 殿), and the Hall of Preserving Harmony (保 和 殿). </P> <P> The Hall of Supreme Harmony (G) is the largest, and rises some 30 metres (98 ft) above the level of the surrounding square . It is the ceremonial centre of imperial power, and the largest surviving wooden structure in China . It is nine bays wide and five bays deep, the numbers 9 and 5 being symbolically connected to the majesty of the Emperor . Set into the ceiling at the centre of the hall is an intricate caisson decorated with a coiled dragon, from the mouth of which issues a chandelier - like set of metal balls, called the "Xuanyuan Mirror". In the Ming dynasty, the Emperor held court here to discuss affairs of state . During the Qing dynasty, as Emperors held court far more frequently, a less ceremonious location was used instead, and the Hall of Supreme Harmony was only used for ceremonial purposes, such as coronations, investitures, and imperial weddings . </P> <P> The Hall of Central Harmony is a smaller, square hall, used by the Emperor to prepare and rest before and during ceremonies . Behind it, the Hall of Preserving Harmony, was used for rehearsing ceremonies, and was also the site of the final stage of the Imperial examination . All three halls feature imperial thrones, the largest and most elaborate one being that in the Hall of Supreme Harmony . </P>

Where did the emperor live in ancient china