The Inner
Golden Water River and Bridge
Behind Wumen,
the Meridian Gate, one can see five bridges with a courtyard named the
Inner Golden Water River Bridges.
The Inner
Golden Water River flows beneath the the Inner Golden Water River Bridges.
The central bridge was used exclusively by the emperor. The two flanking
it were for use by members of the royal family. The two outer bridges
were for court officials. The bridges have marble balustrades richly
carved with dragon and phoenix motifs.
Function:
With the ever present threat of fire damage to the palace buildings,
the Inner Golden Water River served as a water reservoir as well as
being a decorative feature.
The Inner
Golden Water River Bridges were supposed to represent the five
Virtues preached by Confucius benevolence, righteousness, rites,
intelligence and fidelity. They were shaped like five arrows reporting
symbolically to Heaven, because the emperor considered himself the Son
of Heaven.
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