The Forbidden City

Meridian Gate

Wumen (Meridian Gate) is the front entrance of the Forbidden City. It was built in 1420 (18th year of Ming Emperor Yung Lo's reign) and repaired in 1647 (4th year of Ming Emperor Shun Chih's reign). Above the gate there are five buildings, commonly called the "five phoenix towers", in which were maintained a bell and a drum. The Meridian Gate was used when the emperors issued from the palace for sacrificial ceremonies. The bell was rung when they went to the Temple of Heaven and the Temple of Earth; and a drum was beaten when they went to the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Officials used the left portal, members of the imperial family the right. Hi-Res Pic (201K)