Gate of Supreme Harmony

The Gate of Supreme Harmony is the grand formal entrance to the Forbidden City's Outer Court. Built during the Yongle reign (1403-1424) of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), it was first named Gate of Venerating Heaven (Fengtian men). The Jiajing Emperor (r. 1522-1566) renamed it Gate of Imperial Supremacy (Huangji men). Its current name was assigned in 1645 after the Qing regime moved its capital to Beijing and began its rule over China. The gate you now see was rebuilt in 1889 after it was destroyed by fire the year before.

During the Ming dynasty, emperors held morning audience here and accepted memoranda from officials. The Hongxi (r.1425-1425), Xuande (r. 1426-1435), and Zhengtong (r. 1436-1449) Emperors of the Ming dynasty were enthroned here. In 1644 following the Manchu conquest, it was at this gate that the Shunzhi Emperor (r. 1644-1661) ascended the throne and issued the proclamation of Qing dynasty rule over the country.