The Meridian Gate - Main Entrance to Beijing's Forbidden City
There was a throne in the rostrum which had a drum tower on one side and a bell tower on the other side. The drum was beaten when the emperor went to the Ancestral Temple. When a major ceremony occurred both the drums and bells sounded. carrying for five kilometres.
The Meridian Gate was decorated with lanterns hanging from the rostrum for the Lantern Festival, on the 15th of every month.
When a general returned from battle ceremonies were held at the Meridian Gate to turn over prisoners to the emperor.
There are five entrances to the gate - the central one reserved for the emperor. The empress was allowed through it only once - on her wedding day.
Music
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The Meridian Gate is the main entrance into the Forbidden City. The walls are 13 metres high and the rostrum above it with the double-eaved roof stands to 37.95 metres.