Meridian Gate, Main entrance gate of Forbidden City, Beijing, China
The Meridian Gate features five arched entrances with a central pavilion nine bays wide and two protruding wings that stretch outward like arms.
Built in 1420, this monumental entrance served as the location where emperors issued imperial edicts and received prisoners after military victories.
The central arch was reserved for the emperor, while officials and servants used the four side entrances according to their rank in the imperial court.
The gate structure includes a double-eaved roof, connecting pyramidal-roofed pavilions, and leads directly to the Gate of Supreme Harmony through marble bridges.
During the Ming Dynasty, officials who disrespected imperial rules received physical punishment called 'Tingzhang' in front of this gate.
Location: Beijing
GPS coordinates: 39.91250,116.39111
Latest update: March 13, 2025 12:27
Forbidden City
372 m
Tiananmen
575 m
The Palace Museum
341 m
Yanxi Palace
718 m
Hall of Supreme Harmony
379 m
Hall of Mental Cultivation
667 m
Palace of Heavenly Purity
701 m
The Palace Museum
670 m
Imperial Ancestral Temple
351 m
Hall of Military Prowess
304 m
Hall of Preserving Harmony
506 m
壽康宮
762 m
Gate of Supreme Harmony
167 m
Palace of Tranquil Longevity
754 m
Hall of Central Harmony
444 m
Hall of Union
735 m
Zhongshan Park
538 m
East Glorious Gate
375 m
Pudu Temple
630 m
Beijing Shejitan
315 m
Huangshicheng
711 m
West Glorious Gate
389 m
Belvedere of Embodying Benevolence
286 m
Forbidden City Concert Hall
428 m
Belvedere of Spreading Righteousness
292 m
Red Guard Liaison Station of Beijing Universities and Middle Schools
351 m
Ice Storehouses
462 m
Former residence of Chen Duxiu
694 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes