Wumen (The 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 (Five
Phoenix Tower). In Five Phoenix Tower, there are drums that were used to
announce emperors' departure to the Temple of Heaven and bells which to announce
their departure to the Ancestral Temple. 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 the first day of 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.
Taihemen (Gate of Supreme Harmony)
Behind Wumen (the Meridian Gate), one can see five bridges and the courtyard
beyond. Further north in the center, it is Taihemen, the Gate of Supreme
Harmony.
The river is called the Inner Golden River and the bridges called the Inner
Golden River Bridges. The central bridge is reserved for emperors exclusively.
The two flanking it are reserved for royal family members while the two outside
are for ordinary officials. The bridges are well decorated with marble
balustrades carved with motifs of dragon and phoenix. The river serves as fire
hydrant as well as decorations.