Tian'anmen Square

Tiananmen, built in the 15th year of Ming Emperor Yongle (1417), was originally known as Chengtianmen and was named as Tiananmen after its reconstruction in the 8th year of Emperor Shunzhi (1651). Tiananmen is 33.7 meters high and has five watchtowers and nine principle columns. On the well-carved white marble Sumeru base that is 2,000-plus square meters is the 10-meter red and white abutment. On the abutment is the resplendent and magnificent Tiananmen Rostrum. Under the rostrum is the sparkling Jinshui River with five well-carved white marble bridges on it. These five bridges are called Golden Water Bridge. The two pairs of stone liens and the tall and graceful ornamental column in front of the rostrum are subtly supported, making Tiananmen a perfect art of architecture.