Zhai Gong is a famous treasure of ancient architecture in Beijing, China. According to legend it is also known as the Palace of Abstinence. It is located at the southern side of the east six palace in the Forbidden City.

Legend has it that it used to be the place for the Emperor’s abstinence before the heaven-worshiping ceremonies used to take place there. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the ceremony was held outside the palace. According to legend, during the reign of the late Emperor Kang Xi, many nobles fought each other for the succession of the throne. Legend has it that the fourth son of Emperor Kangxi finally succeeded and eventually ascended the throne. He also made many enemies in several palaces during the process. In order to make the palace become a more peaceful society, Emperor Yong Zheng established Zhai Gong (the Palace of Abstinence) in the Forbidden City in 1731. Since then, there has been a national ceremony that was moved inside the hall of the center. According to the ancient rites and rules, Emperors stayed here for three days before they held the ceremony. Legend has it that some regulations included a non-meat diet, a strict no-drinking policy and absolutely no amusement during that three day period. In front of the palace, there is a stone pavilion and inside, there is a copper figure holding a board with two characters that read “斋戒.” The significance of these characters is to remind society that, even as a leader, the emperor should not be too indulgent.