Gate of Supreme Harmony, Imperial gate in Forbidden City, Beijing, China
The Gate of Supreme Harmony is an imperial gate in the Forbidden City that spans seven bays wide and three bays deep with an ornate roof structure. Its grand scale and elaborate stone decorations mark the transition from the outer courtyards to the inner ceremonial halls.
Originally called Fengtianmen during the Ming dynasty, this gate served as a key transition point between outer and inner palace areas. A fire in 1886 destroyed parts of the structure, leading to a major reconstruction in 1894 that shaped how it appears today.
The five marble bridges crossing the Inner Golden Water River in front show the careful design of imperial ceremony and court hierarchy. Only the central passage belonged to the emperor, while officials and visitors used the outer walkways.
This gate serves as the main passage between the outer entrance area and the three major ceremonial halls beyond it. All visitors walk the same routes today, though understanding the historic layout helps you appreciate how the space was once strictly controlled.
Two bronze lions stand guard at the entrance, with the eastern one holding a globe and the western one resting its paw on a cub. This pairing represents imperial power and the continuation of dynastic rule across generations.
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