Tian'anmen Gate

The Tian'anmen Gate (the Gate of Heavenly Peace), which was completed in 1417 and restored in 1651, once formed the main entrance to the Imperial City. The 34m/111ft high wooden building stands on a red brick substructure which has a white marble base. The two-story roof is covered with ceramic tiles. In front of the gate stand two stone lions, and two columns topped with the mythical creature Kong. A portrait of Chairman Mao hangs over the portal, to its left is the slogan ''Long live the People's Republic of China'', and to the right ''Long live the unity of the people of the world''.

The imperial decrees were once announced here and received by the dignitaries kneeling. Also from here Chairman Mao proclaimed the People's Republic on October 1st 1949.

At the foot of the gate the seven Golden Water Bridges (Jinshui Qiao) of white marble with sculptured sides cross the stream which bears the same name.