Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen, 天安门) - the southern gate of the imperial city
In imperial time, only the emperor was allowed to walk through the central External Golden Water Bridge (外金水桥)
Tiananmen
Huabiao (华表) - a decorative piece with a mythical beast sitting on top of a column carved with a dragon flying among the clouds
Huabiao
Gate of Uprightness (端门) acts as big screen to the Southern entrance of the Forbidden City - the Meridian Gate (午门)
Meridian Gate (午门), also known as the "Five Phoenix Gate" as the five buildings on the base each represents a phoenix
Meridian Gate
One of the five buildings of the Meridian Gate
Side entrance of the Meridian Gate with rows of 8 rather than 9 studs
