Gate of Great Harmony (Taihe Men)

The Gate of Great Harmony (Taihe Men) stands as the imposing southern entrance to the Forbidden City's ceremonial heart. Located just north of the Meridian Gate, this grand structure was the place where Ming and Qing emperors held court, issued edicts, and received officials during major ceremonies. The gate itself is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture, with a double-eaved roof covered in golden-yellow glazed tiles and supported by intricate wooden brackets. As you pass through its three arched doorways, you step into the vast courtyard leading to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest and most important building in the complex. The gate's name reflects the Confucian ideal of harmony, which was central to imperial rule. Visitors today can admire the ornate details, including the bronze lions and the marble ramp carved with dragons, and imagine the processions that once passed through. The gate also offers a striking perspective of the Forbidden City's symmetry and scale, with the Hall of Supreme Harmony framed perfectly in the distance.

Nicht verpassen

• Admire the intricate dougong (wooden brackets) under the eaves
• See the bronze lions and mythical beasts guarding the gate
• Walk through the central archway, once reserved for the emperor
• View the marble ramp carved with dragons and clouds
• Take in the panoramic view of the Hall of Supreme Harmony courtyard

Tickets & Touren

Möglichkeiten, Gate of Great Harmony (Taihe Men) zu besuchen

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Wissenswertes vor dem Besuch

• Arrive early to beat the crowds; the Forbidden City gets very busy by midday.
• Photography is allowed, but no flash inside the gate's interior.
• Combine your visit with the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Hall of Central Harmony.
• Consider an audio guide or guided tour for historical context.

Ein Stück Geschichte

Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, the Gate of Great Harmony was originally called Fengtian Men. It was renamed Taihe Men in the Qing Dynasty. The gate was destroyed by fire in 1886 and later rebuilt.