Gate of Supreme Harmony Historical Site

Address: The Palace Museum (Forbidden City), Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100009, China

Website: https://en.dpm.org.cn/

Hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am-5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm); closed Mondays except national holidays

Admission: Admission to the Palace Museum: 60 CNY (low season Nov-Mar) / 80 CNY (high season Apr-Oct). Additional timed ticketing and special exhibition fees may apply.

The Gate of Supreme Harmony is a major ceremonial gate within the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. It was constructed as part of the Forbidden City during its creation in the early 15th century.

Part of the palace complex on the central axis, the gate functions as the principal entrance to the Outer Court and stands directly in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. It is one of the largest and most prominent gates in the Forbidden City and is approached by the main ceremonial walk that runs north from Tiananmen.

Architecturally it is a large timber-framed, multi-bay structure with traditional painted ornamentation and a tiled roof typical of imperial buildings. Public access is to the exterior and approach; the gate and the halls beyond are viewed from the palace courtyards managed by the Palace Museum.

Built as part of the Ming dynasty imperial complex, the gate served for court processions and state ceremonies and has been repaired and restored several times over the centuries. It remains a preserved component of the Palace Museum collection and heritage site.

The gate sits inside the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) in central Beijing, immediately north of Tiananmen Square and within the Dongcheng area of Beijing Municipality.

• Central axis: Sits on the central north-south axis of the Forbidden City and directly precedes the ceremonial halls of the Outer Court, making it a focal point for photographs and circulation.
• Best time to visit: Arrive early to avoid the largest crowds and to get unobstructed views of the gate and the Hall of Supreme Harmony beyond.

Take Beijing Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West stations; it’s a short walk north to Tiananmen Square and then up to the Meridian Gate and into the Forbidden City. Many visitors also approach from the Tiananmen (Tiananmen East) exit and cross to the Palace Museum entrance; pick up timed tickets online from the Palace Museum website in advance.

• Buy timed tickets online in advance-slots sell out, especially on weekends and Chinese national holidays.
• Enter the Forbidden City from Tiananmen Gate or the Meridian Gate to approach the Gate of Supreme Harmony on the royal axis; Tiananmen East (Line 1) is the closest metro stop.
• Climb the terrace steps to the plaza in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony before the crowds arrive at opening-photographs without selfie-sticks are easier then.
• Pay attention to the carved stone reliefs and stair balustrades; they're where artisans hid little jokes and imperial emblems most visitors walk past.