The Hall of Preserving Harmony, completed in 1420, is the northernmost one among the Three Front Halls of the Outer Court in the Forbidden City. During the Ming Dynasty, emperors usually changed clothes here before attending ceremonies. In addition, on the eve of the Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival, emperors feasted officials in the Hall.

The Hall was also the venue for the Imperial Examination, the highest level of the Chinese feudal examination system, held every three years.