Before the invention of electricity, fire became an important source of warmth, and ancient people created various heating devices using fire as the medium. Some of these methods are still in use today. Let’s take a look!

Ⅰ. Fire-Heat Floor Heating

Fire-heat floor heating involves building a circulating flue system beneath the floor using bricks and stones. The heat generated by the fire warms the floor, with the hot air rising slowly from below, creating a thermal cycle that raises the room temperature and keeps it warm. This heating technique has been used in China for over a thousand years and remains one of the main methods of heating during the winter in northern China.

Ⅱ. The Interior of Fire-Heat Floor Heating

The fire-pit and smoke exhaust system for fire-heat floor heating are located outdoors. This design prevents the smoke generated by the fire from polluting the indoor air, and also reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from burning coal. The hot smoke flows through the main and secondary flue systems, branching out to various smoke chambers, which then heat the floor. The heat is evenly distributed across the floor, creating a mild and consistent warmth that gradually raises the room temperature. This method not only provides warmth but also keeps the indoor air clean, effectively meeting the heating needs of the winter season.

Fire-heat floor heating was the primary method of heating in the imperial palace during the winter. As part of this system, wooden partitions were used to enclose areas with circulating flues, typically around the sleeping areas. This setup created “warm chambers” (暖阁) that provided localized warmth.

Additionally, in the bedroom, a wooden wall was added to the existing walls, matching the height of the original walls to hide the brickwork. After installation, multiple layers of wallpaper were applied to the wooden wall, ensuring no gaps. This setup served multiple purposes: in summer, it prevented moisture; in winter, it provided insulation. It was highly practical and very effective. For example, in the Chuxiu Palace’s main hall (储秀宫), the east and west side rooms used this wooden wall system to enhance warmth during the colder months.

Ⅲ. Charcoal Basin Heating

Another form of winter heating in the imperial palace was the charcoal basin heating system, known as
”熏殿” in the Qing Dynasty. This was a custom from the Manchu people before they entered Beijing, which they continued to practice after moving into the Forbidden City. However, charcoal basins were not available to everyone in the palace; their use was determined by a person’s rank and status. The amount of charcoal provided also varied depending on one’s position within the palace hierarchy.

The charcoal basin consisted of two parts: the lower part was a basin with three legs and a wide mouth, featuring symmetrical handles. The upper part was a cover, delicately perforated with floral patterns, made of fine copper, and often adorned with painted or cloisonné enamel, giving it an elegant and noble appearance.

However, there was a drawback to this heating method. If the leftover charcoal was not properly managed, it could potentially lead to a fire hazard.

Ⅳ. Hand Warmers and Foot Warmers

People tend to feel cold first in their limbs, and when the hands and feet are warm, the whole body feels warm. Ancient people understood this principle, which led to the invention of hand warmers and foot warmers. In the winter, these devices could be filled with charcoal to warm the hands and body, and they were portable, much like a fan in the summer—convenient, practical, and beloved by all.

Foot warmers were typically rectangular, while hand warmers could be round or square. Most were made of copper, though some were inlaid with enamel. The lids were always copper, with intricately carved and perforated floral patterns to allow heat to escape, and they featured handles for easy carrying. Although the hand warmers contained charcoal, the outer body of the warmer did not get too hot.

The hand warmer was not only a practical item but also a work of art, allowing people to enjoy its beauty while using it for warmth.

In the Qing Dynasty, the imperial palace adopted lessons learned from previous dynasties to organize winter heating efficiently. The system was tightly structured, with responsibilities clearly assigned to departments and specific individuals. The funding for heating was incorporated into the state land and labor taxes, and both the Ministry of Household and the Ministry of Works were involved in overseeing it. The resources for heating were well-stocked, and strict regulations were set based on rank and status. Dedicated personnel supervised every aspect, from production to supply, ensuring the quality and quantity of materials. This system fully met the heating needs of the royal court, ensuring that the imperial palaces and the empresses and concubines could comfortably and safely endure the cold winters.