Hall

The dian is the largest single building in traditional Chinese architecture and is generally referred to as dadian (grand hall). It is also called zhengdian (central hall) as it is invariably built on the axis of an architectural complex.

Corresponding to the rigid ranking system of feudal times, there were strict regulations about the building of palace halls. The dadian was the grandest of all buildings, being symbolic of the supreme power of the emperor.

The most famous Chinese dian are three: Taihedian (the Hall of Supreme Harmony) in Beijing's Forbidden City, Dachengdian (the Great Hall) in the Confucius Temple of Qufu, and Tiankuangdian (the Hall of Celestial Gift) in the Daimiao Temple at the foot of Mt. Tai.

Taihedian is the main hall of the palace, where grand ceremonies took place and important edicts were read and issued during the days of the emperors. It represents the most sumptuous example of the traditional art of Chinese architecture.