The Gate of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing men) is the principal entrance to the Inner Court (nei ting) of the Forbidden City.
Since its completion in early fifteenth century, it has been rebuilt many times because of damage or total destruction by fire.
It is 16 meter high and sits on a marble terrace of 1.5 meter.
At the foot of the stairs in front of the gate are placed a pair of gilt bronze lions and a pair of gilt bronze water vats.
Flanking the south face of the Gate of Heavenly Purity are glazed tile screens. They are 8m high and 9.7m long. The flower-shaped glazed decorations on the screen are shining under the sunlight.
Southwest of the Gate of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing men) is the Gate of the Thriving Imperial Clan (Longzong men), an important security point from the Inner Court (nei ting) to the West Gardens (Xi yuan).
The lion in front of the Gate of Heavenly Purity - 2The Palace Museum
In Qing times, emperors held Morning Audience at this gate, receiving ministers' reports on state affairs and responding with corresponding instructions.
