Forbidden City in Beijing - 2008

Gate of Celestial Purity - 17

Separated from the Outer Court by a wide piazza (200 metres east to west and 30 metres north to south) stands Qianqingmen, The Gate of Celestial Purity. This open space provides a link between the Outer and Inner Courts while creating a dramatic setting for imperial pageantry. During the Qing dynasty the emperor would be enthroned under the centre of this gate for the purpose of receiving reports and giving his decisions on matters presented to him. Small buildings on either side were duty rooms for officials and waiting rooms to accommodate ministers awaiting interviews, etc.