Perhaps unnoticed at first glance, the Left Middle Gate stands as a silent connector. It links the Court of Supreme Harmony to the Courtyard of the Middle Harmony Pavilion. This gate is on the left side.
The Left Middle Gate is more than just a passage. It is one of the Forbidden City’s smaller doors. The Forbidden City was built symmetrically. Chinese emperors thought they were Sons of Heaven. They believed they should live at the center of the universe. They thought the Meridian went through the middle of the gate.
Consider the strict rules once observed here. Everyone who entered the Forbidden City had rules to follow. These rules concerned the Meridian Gate’s five doors. The emperor exclusively used the central doorway. Empresses only used it once on their wedding day. The top three scholars could march through after their interview. Ministers and officials used the east door. The royal family used the west door. Grand ceremonies used the corner doors. Ordinary people could not enter any doors. Today tourists can use the three central doorways. The two side doors are now toilets.
Imagine the sounds that once filled this area. Bells rang for the emperor’s departure to the Temple of Heaven. Drums announced departures to the Ancestral Temple. Bells and drums sounded together for ceremonies. These ceremonies occurred in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The Meridian Gate was used to tell everyone about the emperor’s rescripts. Special events, ceremonies, and festivals also occurred here.
During the Ming Dynasty, the emperor treated officials on the Lantern Festival. He gave them food on traditional festivals. These included pastries on the Beginning of Spring. There were cold cakes on the Dragon Boat Festival. Also, Chongyang Cakes were given on the Chongyang Festival. Officials who offended the emperor were punished to the left of the Imperial Way. In 1519, 158 officials tried to stop Emperor Zhu Houzhao from going out. Fifteen of them were beaten to death. This punishment ended in the late Ming Dynasty.
The Directorate of Astronomy submitted the almanac in the Qing Dynasty. It showed ceremony days. The emperor and his wives received it. This happened on the first day of the 10th lunar month. Triumphant troops returning from battle had a ceremony. It was a Captives Sacrifice Ceremony. The emperor inspected troops. He also announced punishments.
Despite what novels and films say, executions did not happen here. Criminals were executed in Caishikou. It was a busy vegetable market.
Passing through the Meridian Gate leads to the Inner Golden River Bridges. You will then see the square before the Three Palaces. To go along the central axis, go to the Gate of Supreme Harmony. Side buildings include the Hall of Literary Glory and the Hall of Martial Valor. The Gate of Unified Harmony leads to the Hall of Literary Glory. The Gate of Prosperous Harmony leads to the Hall of Martial Valor.
So, as you pass through the Left Middle Gate, remember its history. It connects not just spaces, but also stories of emperors and officials. It is a vital part of the Forbidden City.