Gate of Divine Prowess(Shenwumen)Ⅰ

Gate of Divine Prowess(Shenwumen)is the north gate of Forbidden City and it was established in 1420. In Ming Dynasty it was called Xuanwumen. Xuwu(玄武) is said to be the divine animal of ancient time, and it was the Black Tortoise, one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. Xuanwu traditionally mastered the north of the world; hence many north gates of palaces or halls were named Xuan Wu. When it was rebuilt in Qing Dynasty, it was named finally Shenwumen(Gate of Divine Prowess)for avoiding reiteration with name of Emperor Kangxi, whose name was Xuanye (玄烨).

The whole gate is 31 meters high and the whole structure looks like a rectangle. Shenwumen(Gate of Divine Prowess)is opposite to Jingshan Mountain. Traditionally there were bell and tower in Shenwumen(Gate of Divine Prowess)Gate, and they were managed by the guards.