Welcome to The Forbidden City

This is the accessibility version designed specifically for users needing extra accessibility features.
Feel free to check out the original experience here.

The Meridian Gate

Tour stop audio transcript

The Meridian Gate is very grand, with five openings, and is the largest and main gate of the Forbidden City. The gate is 35.6 meters high and surmounted by five pavilions. Because each pavillion resembles a pheonix, this gate is also known as WuFengLou, which means 'Five Phoenix Tower'. There were strict rules to follow when people entered the Forbidden City. Entering through the central opening was the emperors' exclusive privilege; their empresses were allowed to go through the opening only once - on their wedding day.

The Golden Water Bridges

Tour stop audio transcript

The Inner Golden Water Bridge 内金水桥 (Nèi Jīnshuǐ Qiáo) lies between the Meridian Gate and the Gate of Supreme Harmony. There are five bridges crossing the water. The center bridge was reserved for the emperor.

The Gate of Supreme Harmony

Tour stop audio transcript

As the largest gate of the Forbidden City, Gate of Supreme Harmony (Taihemen) is the main gate for the palaces in the outer court. It was initially built in the Yongle Reign of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). It was burnt down in 1888 and rebuilt in 1889. The Gate of Supreme Harmony is also the newest and the highest-grade gate of the Forbidden City, with a history of around 110 years.

Tianhedian Square

The Hall of Supreme Harmony

The Hall of Middle Harmony

The Hall of Preserving Harmony

Tour stop audio transcript

The Hall of Preserving Harmony 保和殿 (Bǎo Hé Diàn) has nine guardian beasts on the eaves. It repeats the double eave design of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, but it isn't as elaborate or as large.

The Palace of Benevolent Tranquility

The Imperial Garden

The Hall of Imperial Peace

Pavilion of Ten Thousand Spring

Tour stop audio transcript

Constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this pavilion lies on the east side of the garden. In Chinese astrology the east is traditionally the direction of spring and renewal. The roof is topped by a round crown with cloud shapes jutting from two sides. The top story is round while the base is square. Covered porches extend from the four sides giving the structure a cross shape. The pavilion shares its name with the central pavilion on Jingshan hill to the north of the Imperial Palace. Perhaps for that reason the Palace Museum is using the translation "Pavilion of Myriad Springs" in some of its literature.