A recreation of the largest gate of the Forbidden City, located in Beijing, China. The Meridian Gate was built in 1420, and serves as the main entrance into the Forbidden City. The gate is composed of five buildings, as well as five arches. The center arch was reserved for the emperor himself, and all other officials were to use the flanking arches. The gate was also used to promulgate or disseminate any laws, writings or announcements of the emperor. Today, the Meridian Gate is visited by many around the world, as well as the rest of the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace in the world.