Gate of Supreme Harmony
The Gate of Supreme Harmony (太和门, Taihemen), is the third major gate encountered when traversing the Imperial Palace grounds (the "Forbidden City") toward the north along the meridian line. It is flanked by two minor gates, Zhendu Gate to the west and Zhaode Gate to the east. This gate and the Meridian Gate form the north and south boundaries of a great plaza (Shi Zi) that is divided by a serpentine waterway spanned by the "Golden River Bridges". On the north side of the gate is Harmony Square and the entrance to the grand Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Arrayed around the stairs are a large number of incense burners.
The central starway was reserved for the exclusive use of the Emperor and his immediate attendants, as was the central entrance of Meridian Gate.
