Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd right) and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st right), and US President Donald Trump (2nd left) and his wife Melania Trump pose for a photo in front of Taihedian, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, during their visit to the Palace Museum, or the Forbidden City, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov 8, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xi, Trump visit former imperial home

President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, accompanied Trump and his wife, Melania, on a tour of three main halls at Beijing's Palace Museum soon after their arrival in Beijing.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony are all in the outer court of the museum, which is also known as the Forbidden City.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony, first built in 1420, was once used for major rituals and ceremonies. It is the museum's largest and most important architectural work, covering 2,377 square meters.

The Hall of Central Harmony was used as a preparation room for the emperor before he attended sacrifices or other rituals.

The Hall of Preserving Harmony was used for different functions throughout history, such as Chinese New Year banquets and royal weddings.

The three main halls, all with the Chinese character he (meaning peace and harmony) in their names, embody the idea of the pursuit of peace and harmony.

The magnificent buildings of the three halls and the rich Chinese culture attracted the US presidential couple, and they stopped for some time to look at the buildings.