Forbidden City in Beijing - 2008

Gate of Supreme Harmony - 33

Looking at the Gate of Supreme Harmony across the courtyard from the 5 bridges. The huge courtyard covers a space of over 10,000 square meters. The grand size was both to accommodate large numbers of people on ceremonial occasions and to create a sense of imperial majesty. The Gate of Supreme Harmony (Taihemen), north of the first courtyard, is the main gate of the Outer Court. The gate is guarded by a couple of bronze lions, which aimed to show imperial dignity. The west one is male, with its front right paw resting on a ball, symbolizing imperial power extended worldwide.