Forbidden City Meridian Gate 2008

The Beijing Forbidden City (Palace Museum) was the power centre during the Qing Dynasty in China. This wall protected the highest authority of the nation at the time, And at that time, the science and wisdom absorbed from foreign countries were also confined by this wall. The emperor feared that the people would gain new knowledge, and the people's knowledge could not grow, leading to the nation's weakness and the downfall of the dynasty.

The Meridian Gate (Wu Men) of the Forbidden City serves as the main entrance, symbolizing imperial power, mystery, and unpredictability. It was the venue for major ceremonies or rituals of the emperor, such as when the emperor went on campaigns, returned victorious, or received tributes from foreign envoys. The Meridian Gate was also a place for issuing imperial edicts. Particularly on its east side, it was used to punish those who violated rules or committed crimes, serving as a warning to officials in the court. It had an important defensive function, safeguarding the internal structures and the emperor's safety. The central road or the Danbi Stone in front of the Meridian Gate was specifically designed for the emperor's use; besides the emperor, ordinary people were not allowed to pass through there.