Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) is a symbol of China. It was built in 1417, originally called Cheng Tian Men (Gate of Heavenly Succession), meaning that emperors obeyed the order of Heaven in ruling the country. Destroyed by fire twice, it was rebuilt in 1651 during the Qing Dynasty and renamed Tiananmen. On October 1st, 1949, the late Chairman Mao declared the founding of the People's Republic of China on the Tiananmen Rostrum, thus opening a new chapter in the history of China. It is also honored as the 'Gate of the Nation.'
Located to the north of Tiananmen Square, the building has red stone walls, a wooden roof and five entrances-the largest, in the middle, leads to the Forbidden City. The building is surrounded by a moat, Jinshui (Golden Water), which was designed to guard the Imperial Palace. Five marble bridges, the Golden Water bridges, lead to the five passages of the gate. Two ornamental columns stand in front of the whole complex. The gate has five passages, which were closed and used only on grand ceremonial occasions in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The emperor alone was entitled to pass through the central passage. Before leaving on a journey he would make a sacrifice in front of the gate. At other times imperial edicts were sent down, in a gilded box shaped like a phoenix, to officials kneeling below. The edict was then taken to the Ministry of Rites where copies were made for dispatch to the whole country. It was also the place for the Emperor to review royal armies and receive prisoners of war.
Composed of the rostrum and gate tower, the building has five watchtowers. Supported by nine huge columns, it has a splendid colorful roof of glazed tiles. With painted pillars and carved beams, the hall of Tiananmen Rostrum looks majestic. Sixty huge columns, representing the Earthly Branches designate years, months, days and hours and the Heavenly stems to designate marks of order, stand in perfect harmony to demonstrate the permanent stability of the nation. It is a masterpiece of China's ancient architectural art, represents the superb skill and artistic talent of the Chinese people.
Tiananmen is not only the site of the most important gatherings since the founding of the People's Republic of China, but also one of the most valuable historical sites in China. Parades take place here on important days, such as the rallies on May 1, International Labour Day. Before each parade the building is repainted and generally tidied up. The whole tower roof was replaced as part of a large-scale restoration in 1984, following the original line and shape. The balcony is 34.7 metres high, 62.77 metres long and 27.25 metres wide. It can hold 20,000 guests. The tourist can get a good view of the 40 hectare square across the five marble bridges. There are 67 steps leading to the top of the Rostrum of Tiananmen Gate.
The gate and the square were out of bounds to the public in imperial time. In 1988, Tiananmen Rostrum was opened to the public for the first time in its history.
