The Square before the Gate of Heavenly Purityin the Forbidden City is the dividing line between the Outer Court in the south and the Inner Court in the north. The former was the ceremonial quarter while the Iatter was the residential quarter. In the eyes of the emperor, the former symbolized the State while the latter symboiized the Family. The ancient Chinese believed that the State was closely related to the Imperial Family and, no matter where, the emperor should exercise his imperial authority.

In the east and west of the Square were two forbidden gates, the Gate of Prospering Fortune and the Gate of Flourishing Posterity. All the officials who went to court would pass these gates, before which imperial guards and relevant officials would examiore which imperial guards and relevant officials would examine their qualifications.

Forbidden City Attractions

East Route
Forbidden City Gates Wall Surrouding Water
Hall Of Mental Cultivation
Imperial Garden
Outer East Route
Square Before Heavenly Purity Gate
Square Before Supreme Harmony Gate
Three Rear Palaces
Unopen Areas
West Route
Wings Of Heavenly Purity Palace

Square Before Heavenly Purity Gate Attractions in the Forbidden City China

Department of Mititary Affairs
Gate of Flourishing Posterity
Gate of Prospering Fortune