Meridian Gate

Unclaimed

Amazing architecture, this is actually the main entrance to The Palace Museum so if you want to skip Tiananmen Square and all the tour groups or if you’re tight on time I recommend to walk around and enter The Palace Museum from here. Make sure you purchase tickets in advance as ticket numbers are limited daily.

The Meridian Gate, known as 午门 (Wu Men) in Chinese, stands prominently as the southern entrance to Beijing's Forbidden City. This architectural masterpiece, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, is a marvel of imperial grandeur and symbolism. Its central archway was reserved exclusively for the emperor's use, emphasizing his divine status. Flanked by two smaller gates, the Meridian Gate showcases intricate wooden carvings and vibrant colors, reflecting traditional Chinese design. Beyond its aesthetic significance, the gate played a role in imperial ceremonies. Today, it serves as a key attraction, providing visitors a glimpse into the rich history and regal splendor of ancient China.

Meridian Gate (午门 Wu Men): The Southern entrance to the Forbidden City, the Meridian Gate is an impressive sight. Its five towers resemble a majestic flying phoenix. As you approach, you’ll notice ticket booths just before the gate, where you can purchase your entrance ticket. I recommend buying your ticket online to avoid queues. Surprisingly, no physical ticket is issued; instead, you can simply scan your passport, and the system recognizes your valid ticket. Arrive early to beat the crowds, especially during peak seasons. The Meridian Gate marks the beginning of your journey into the heart of the Forbidden City. Once inside, you’ll discover a meticulously maintained palace complex, with its distinctive architectural style. The entire Forbidden City is symmetrically aligned along the Meridian axis, making this gate a crucial entry point for exploring the historical wonders within. Remember to capture some photos of this iconic gateway during your visit!

Tourist tip: you can reach the meridian gate without a ticket by walking via the East Prosperity Gate. Then, just walk along the forbidden city and then you arrive at the meridian gate. You'll see that you walk against the flow of people. Once you arrive, you can purchase a ticket to the forbidden city in the service center. Do not forget your passport, that's your ticket (your passport number is scanned as a ticket)

Magnificent view! Returning to the site after 10 years ago. Please bring your passport if you are not local and suggest to purchase the tickets thru their website for ease of entrance. Worth the visit!