Imagine, if you will, whispers carried on the northern winds. They tell tales of emperors, concubines, and palace intrigue swirling around the Gate of Divine Might.
Welcome to the Gate of Divine Might. It stands as the Forbidden City’s imposing north gate. Known also as the Gate of Divine Prowess, it has silently witnessed centuries of imperial life.
Originally named Black Tortoise Gate, its name changed. The Kangxi Emperor’s given name contained the character Xuan. To avoid disrespect, the gate became the Gate of Divine Might.
This gate served as the Forbidden City’s back entrance. Servants bustled through it daily. Women hoping to become imperial concubines entered here too.
The Gate of Divine Might stands 31 meters tall. Its base is made of white marble blocks. Three openings invite passage. The gate tower rises above, adorned with yellow glazed tiles. Corridors and white marble railings add to its grandeur.
Look closely at the eaves. You will spot a plaque displaying “Shenwumen” in both Chinese and Manchu. The gold lettering shines against a blue background.
In imperial times, a bell and drum announced the hours from the Gate of Divine Might. The bell tolled 108 times at dusk, signaling the day’s end. Then, the drum beat every two hours until dawn. At daybreak, the bell rang again 108 times. However, the bell remained silent when the Emperor was within the palace. The word “bell” sounds like “death” in Chinese.
The central opening was reserved for the emperor and empress alone. Concubines, officials, guards, eunuchs, and maids used the side entrances. When an emperor ventured out, he could use the Meridian Gate at the front. But empresses and concubines always exited through the Gate of Divine Might.
Empress Dowagers enjoyed the privilege of using this gate when accompanying the emperor. Emperors returning to the Forbidden City from excursions also entered through the Gate of Divine Might.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the empress used this gate for a special ceremony. She worshipped the goddess of silkworm. This encouraged diligence in weaving among the people.
In 1924, Puyi, the last emperor, was expelled from the Forbidden City through this very gate.
Every three years in the Qing Dynasty, a beauty selection took place. Candidates entered the Forbidden City through the Gate of Divine Might. Some became concubines. Others were assigned to princes or became palace maids.
Before the selection, banner officers arranged the wagons. The carriages passed through Di’anmen, reaching the Gate of Divine Might at dusk. The ladies then entered the Forbidden City. Their carriages detoured back to the Gate of Divine Might. By noon the next day, the ladies exited and returned home.
In the early Qing dynasty, Manchu and Han women were distinct. Manchu women had “celestial feet.” Han women practiced foot binding. Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang decreed that anyone bringing a foot-bound woman into the Forbidden City would be beheaded. The edict was displayed at the Gate of Divine Might.
In 1803, Emperor Jiaqing returned to the Forbidden City. As his sedan entered the Gate of Divine Might, a man with a dagger rushed toward him. Despite over 100 guards, no one reacted immediately. The emperor’s nephew bravely stopped the assassin. The guards then captured him. The emperor escaped unharmed.
The would-be assassin was Chen De, a poor Beijinger. He sought a dramatic death because he could not find work. This event shook the Qing Dynasty and foreshadowed its decline.
As you stand before the Gate of Divine Might, remember its history. Envision the emperors, empresses, and countless others who passed through its portals. The gate remains a silent witness to China’s imperial past.