backside of the meridian gate

ancient arch architectural art artifacts artwork axis beijing bridge bronze burner carved censer center ceremonial ceremony china city collection complex copper diligence drain dynasty eave emperor empress enclosed entrance forbidden gate golden grand gugong heritage imperial incense inner main majesty manchu marble meander meridian ming moat museum palace palatial path pavilion phoenix pillar plaza political power preserved purple qing realm reflection residence river roof serpentine span square stair stairway state stone sunlight throne tourist traditional travel unesco waterway wooden wumen