Inner Golden Water River and Bridge of Forbidden City

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 rpresent 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 condidered himself the Son of Heaven.