"Chizao" means showcasing literary grace. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong (r. 1735–1796) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), this hall housed the Essence of the Complete Library of the Four Treasuries. Nearby stands a six-hundred-year-old ancient cypress. Legend has it that this cypress once transformed into a shadow to shield Emperor Qianlong from the sun during his southern inspection tours. Out of gratitude, Emperor Qianlong bestowed the title of "Spiritual Cypress" upon it.

The Study of the Cultivation of Nature, though with an antique flavour, once served as an unusual Western-style study. This is where the last emperor, Puyi (1906–1967), took English lessons from his tutor, Reginald Johnston (1874–1938). In The First Half of My Life, Puyi wrote that whenever he grew weary of his studies, Johnston would captivate him with stories from around the world and across the ages.

The Hall of Three Rarities was one of Emperor Qianlong's favourite studies. Located in the Western Warmth Chamber (Xinuan ge) of the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian), this modest eight-square-metre room was “low-key yet luxurious”. It housed three rare masterpieces: Timely Clearing After Snowfall Manuscript by Wang Xizhi (266–420), Mid-Autumn Manuscript by Wang Xianzhi (344-386), and Letter to Boyuan by Wang Xun (349–400), giving the hall its name, Sanxi, or Hall of Three Rarities.

In the Eastern Warmth Chamber (Dongnuan ge) of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, there is a small study known as Bright Window. From the period of Emperor Yongzheng (r. 1722–1735), it was designated for an important annual ceremony, First Writing, held at midnight on Yuan Dan (the ancient name for Spring Festival). As the clock struck midnight, marking the beginning of the new year, the emperor would light a candle and then pour the Tusu wine into the Gold Goblet of Permanent Stability. Next, taking a brush inscribed with "Fair and Just for Aye", he would first dip it in red ink, then switch to black ink to write auspicious phrases such as "Peace Across the Land" or "Fortune and Longevity Forever", praying for a year of prosperity and peace for the nation and its people.

The Palace of Bringing Blessings (Yuqing gong) was built by Emperor Kangxi as a residence for Crown Prince Yinreng (1674-1725) and served as the only formal crown prince's palace during the Qing dynasty. After Emperor Jiaqing (r. 1796–1820) ascended the throne, he decreed that none of his sons would live in this palace to prevent them from scheming for the throne. Instead, he used the palace as the venue for reading and relaxing. The rear halls inside the palace became his private studies, including the Hall of Preserving Virtue (Jide tang), the chamber for the Wanwei Collections, and the Study of Savouring Surplus (Weiyu shushi).

Education was of paramount importance to Qing emperors. Emperor Kangxi (r. 1661–1722) ordered the establishment of the "Imperial School" in the imperial palace, known as the Shangshu fang, and appointed the most talented teachers for instruction. Princes began attending the courses at the age of six. Their day started before dawn, with morning reading at 3 AM, and continued until the afternoon. They only had five holidays per year!

The Forbidden City is filled with brilliant red walls and yellow roofs, yet the Belvedere of Literary Profundity stands out with its black glazed-tile roof  trimmed with green tiles. In Chinese culture, black symbolizes water. This design aimed to protect against fire while creating a serene environment ideal for reading. Modelled after the famous ancient library, Tianyi Pavilion, in Ningbo, Zhejiang, it was specially constructed by Emperor Qianlong to house the Complete Library of the Four Treasuries.

Functioning like a library, the Belvedere of Literary Profundity was the largest book repository in the Forbidden City. Upon receiving the emperor's permission, certain ministers passionate about ancient texts could indulge themselves in the library. However, access was strictly “dine-in only”—No Book for Takeaway!