Gate of Supreme Harmony

You are now approaching the Gate of Supreme Harmony, the largest gate inside the Forbidden City. Originally called the Gate of Receiving Heaven during the Ming Dynasty, it was rebuilt in 1690 after a fire. This gate marks the entrance to the Outer Court. Notice the pair of bronze lions flanking the entrance. The male lion rests his paw on a globe, symbolizing imperial power over the world, while the female protects a cub, representing the continuation of the dynasty. In the Ming Dynasty, emperors held morning court here, listening to reports from officials who had gathered before dawn. The vast courtyard ahead could hold up to 100,000 people during grand ceremonies.