Meridian Gate

The Meridian Gate, Wumen in Chinese, is the southern entrance of the Forbidden City. Since Chinese emperors believed that they were sons of Heaven and should live in the center of the universe, and they believed the Meridian Line went through the Forbidden City, the gate was named so. The grand gate, consisting of five openings, is the largest gate and main gate of the Forbidden City, 35.6 meters high and surmounted by five pavilions, named Wufenglou, viz. FivePhoenixTower. In FivePhoenixTower, there are drums which were used to announce emperors' departure to the Temple of Heaven and bells which to announce their departure to the AncestralTemple. Both toll to announce that the emperor was going to receive his ministers in Taihedian (Hall of Supreme Harmony).

 

There were strict rules to follow when people enter the Forbidden City. Entering through the central opening was the emperors' exclusive privilege, while their empresses were allowed to go through the opening once on their wedding day. The top three in the national examinations, presided by emperors on the final stage, would be honored to strut through the arched hole after receiving emperors' interview. The east opening was for the ministers while the west opening was for the royal family. The other openings were for petty officials. Ordinary people were forbidden to enter the city.

 

In the ancient time, emperors would bestow foods to ministers on days of important Chinese solar terms. On first October on solar calendar every year, emperors would issue next year' calendar. After wars, Emperors would receive captives themselves here. Also on the left side of the Imperial Way, which goes through the central opening, baculine penalty would be executed on those who offended emperors.

 

Now you must feel honored to march into the central opening. Do you see Taihemen (Gate of Supreme Harmony) in the north?