Built from south to north on an eight-metre-high marble foundation, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Medium Harmony and the Hall of Protective Harmony form the Outer Court of the Forbidden City together with the Hall of Literary Glory on their east side and the Hall of Military Prowess on their west side.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony, also referred to as the throne, is 35 metres high, the highest of the halls in the Forbidden City. It was used for important ceremonies like the enthronement of the crown prince, the emperor's birthday celebrations, and the initiation of military expeditions.