Travel through the gate of time 🚪｜A complete guide to exploring the secrets of the Forbidden City’s main gate!

#AprilGoodDestinations2025 Travel through the gate of time 🚪｜A complete guide to exploring the secrets of the Forbidden City’s main gate! When you step into the Forbidden City, the first thing that catches your eye is the magnificent gate! These gates, which carry more than 600 years of history, are not only the "beauty" of the Forbidden City, but also the key to the history of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Today, I will take you to deeply interpret the charm of the Forbidden City's gates, with a super practical check-in guide~ Three must-visit "facades"📸 Meridian Gate The most important gate in the Forbidden City must be the Meridian Gate! The spectacular shape of the three pavilions and four floors is nicknamed "Five Phoenix Tower" by old Beijingers. This is not only the place where the emperor issued edicts, but also the venue for the ceremony of surrendering prisoners. It is recommended to stand in the center of the square and shoot upwards. The red walls and yellow tiles contrast with the blue sky, and you can capture a "palace blockbuster" in one second! Shenwu Gate The north gate of the Forbidden City was a dedicated passage for the emperor and empress to ride in carriages during the Qing Dynasty. Now it has transformed into the exit of the Palace Museum. The plaque "Palace Museum" hanging on the door was written by Mr. Guo Moruo himself! Jingshan Park is right outside the door, and you can also overlook the panoramic view of the Forbidden City when you climb to the top of the mountain🏞️ Taihe Gate The largest palace gate in the Forbidden City is also the main gate of the outer palace! The bronze lion in front of the gate is majestic in shape. It is said that touching the lion's head will bring good luck. Passing through the Taihe Gate, the golden Taihe Hall will be in full view, and you will instantly feel the shock of "once you enter the red wall, it is like entering a deep sea"! Travel Tips ⚠️ ✅ Reservation Guide: Make an appointment on the "Palace Museum" official account 7 days in advance, tickets are 60 yuan/person, and students can get half price with their vouchers🎫 Don't buy "one-day tour" black guide tickets! ✅ Best time: Go as soon as the store opens at 8:30 in the morning! There are few people and the light is good at this time, so you don’t have to queue up to take photos in front of the Meridian Gate📷 ✅ Dressing suggestion: Wearing Hanfu or plain clothes is out of place! The red walls and yellow tiles are a natural background, and they are even more amazing when paired with ancient style accessories. ✅ Tour route: Meridian Gate (entry) → Taihe Gate → Taihe Hall → Qianqing Palace → Kunning Palace → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate (exit), the whole journey takes about 3 hours⏰ Every door in the Forbidden City has a story. Whether it is the copper nails on the vermilion door or the colorful paintings on the lintel, they are all silently telling the glory of the past. ✨ Next time you come to the Forbidden City, don’t forget to slow down and appreciate these "historical witnesses" that travel through time and space~