The Gate of Heavenly Purity is an important passage connecting the inner court and the outer court. It is the main palace gate of the inner court of the Forbidden City. It was built in the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. The existing building was built in the third year of Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty. ‘Heavenly Purity’ means the purity of the heaven. Since Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, the emperor also held court here.
On the morning of the day of holding court at the gate, the emperor took his seat in the center inside the Gate of Heavenly Purity. Ministers reported in turn and received the emperor’s edict. To the east and west outside the Gate of Heavenly Purity are glazed screens. In front of the gate are gilded bronze lions and gilded water tanks. Inside the gate, a high platform and corridor lead directly to the Palace of Heavenly Purity, which is the emperor’s imperial road. To the east of the Gate of Heavenly Purity are the duty rooms of the nine ministers. To the west is the Grand Council. It is convenient for the emperor and ministers to discuss and handle government affairs. Open all year round and all day long.Gate of Heavenly Purity
The Gate of Heavenly Purity is an important passage connecting the inner court and the outer court. [...]
