Meridian Gate and Second Courtyard

Second Courtyard and Meridian Gate The Forbidden City has several courtyards, each separated by a gatehouse. This is the Second Courtyard and the gate is the Meridian Gate.

In the days of the Chinese Emperors the courtyards and gatehouses served as a shield around the Imperial quarters. Visitors to the Forbidden City were screened at the gatehouses and only those with the requisite rank or business need were allowed to pass into the next courtyard. The Meridian Gate leads into the Third Courtyard.

The lady nearest the camera is a Renmin University lecturer. The central group are Renmin University Summer School participants. We were assembling in order to pass through the Meridian Gate and commence the tour proper of the Forbidden City.