East Prosperity Gate

Forbidden City & Dongcheng Central


The east gate of the Forbidden City, through which you can exit but not enter. Inside are exhibitions belonging to the Gallery of Historic Architecture.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Forbidden City & Dongcheng Central attractions

1. Hall of Literary Brilliance

0.12 MILES

The Hall of Literary Brilliance complex, just to the east of the Forbidden City's entrance at the Meridian Gate was formerly used as a residence by the…

2. Pudu Temple

0.2 MILES

This inactive Tibetan Buddhist temple can't be entered, but the elevated square in front, which forms part of a small park, is a peaceful little escape…

3. Rear Hall

0.21 MILES

One of the main halls within the Workers' Cultural Palace, but closed to visitors. It was used to store the spirit tablets of imperial ancestors in its…

4. Middle Hall

0.23 MILES

Known locally as the Resting Hall, this imperial building has a yellow-glazed eave-hipped roof. Closed for visitors.

5. Gate of Supreme Harmony

0.23 MILES

Originally built in 1420, the Gate of Supreme Harmony is the main gate of the Forbidden City's outer court. It was used by the emperor for his morning…

6. Nine Dragon Screen

0.23 MILES

The Nine Dragon Screen, a 5m-tall, 27m-wide spirit wall, is one of three such screens in China. It's a spectacular composition of coiling dragons picked…

7. Meridian Gate

0.24 MILES

This mighty edifice is the Forbidden City's front door, where all visitors to the Palace Museum pass through. During imperial times, the central channel,…

8. Sacrificial Hall

0.26 MILES

The main attraction within the Workers' Cultural Palace is the monumental Sacrificial Hall, as exquisite as any temple you'll find in Beijing. Built in…