Inside the Imperial Vault of Heaven
The whole structure is supported by 16 pillars on two rings, eight of which are posts propping the eaves and another eight inside are gilded bracket sets that support the ceiling. The dome is so constructed as to taper little by little and result in a vault, which is characterized by a golden coiling dragon design. In front of the Imperial Vault of Heaven, there is a huge stairway on the middle flight with the relief of “two dragons playing with one ball”. Two dragons, the rising one on right and the falling one on left, are designed exquisite and carved elaborately.
