Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
for them to add a zero onto your pre-agreed price, claiming language-barrier confusion as
their excuse. Better still, walk a few hundred metres away from the exit and pick up a nor-
mal taxi on the road.
ENTERING THE FORBIDDEN CITY
Tourists can only enter the Forbidden City via the south gate, known as
Meridian Gate
. It's a massive U-shaped portal
that in former times was reserved for the use of the emperor. Gongs and bells would sound imperial comings and goings,
while lesser mortals used lesser gates: the military used the west gate, civilians the east gate. The emperor also reviewed
his armies from here, passed judgement on prisoners, announced the new year's calendar and oversaw the flogging of
troublesome ministers.
Note that although tourists can only enter via Meridian Gate, they are allowed to exit the Forbidden City via the
south, north or east gates. There are places to lock bicycles by the south and northeast gates of nearby Zhōng-
shān Park.
History
