🏛️ Kaifeng Prefecture’s Main Hall: The Heart of Northern Song Justice

#chinatravel #citywalks #ancient_city #history Located on Yanqing Street, Gulou District, Kaifeng City, the Main Hall of Kaifeng Prefecture stands as the core of the administrative and judicial complex from the Northern Song Dynasty, famously known as the “First Prefecture Under Heaven”. In ancient times, this hall was where the prefecture chief issued decrees, handled political affairs, and conducted public trials for major cases. The architecture exudes solemnity, with a double-eaved hip roof covered in vibrant green glazed tiles, and the plaque “Ting Shi” (Court Hall) hanging prominently beneath the second eave, reflecting the dignity and authority of Song-era officialdom. Right in front of the hall, you’ll spot the three legendary bronze guillotines — the Dragon-Head, Tiger-Head, and Dog-Head blades — each symbolizing justice for different classes: royal family members, officials, and commoners respectively. These serve as a powerful reminder of impartial law enforcement in imperial China. Walking into the Main Hall feels like stepping into a time capsule of Song Dynasty justice, where history, culture, and law converge in a single commanding space.