The Five Elements is a concept in traditional Chinese culture, which holds that everything in the universe is created from these five fundamental elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.

 

In the theory of The Five Elements, the center of any area is associated with Earth. The three great halls in the Outer Court and the three palaces in the Inner Court are central areas, all built on large elevated terraces shaped like the character "土" (Earth).

 

The southern direction represents Fire, which is signified by the name Meridian Gate of the southern gate. The stone pillars along the five bridges in the Taihe Gate Square are also carved with patterns of blazing flames.

 

The northern direction represents Water and corresponds to the Black Tortoise, a water deity of the north in Chinese mythology. As a result, the northern gate of the Forbidden City is named Xuanwu Gate (later renamed Shenwu Gate in the late Qing Dynasty).

 

Metal corresponds to the west. In feng shui, Metal generates Water, so the river surrounding the Forbidden City originates from the west, hence its name Golden Water River (Jinshui He). Additionally, thrones and decorative motifs inside and outside the grand palaces are made of gold.

 

Wood (Mu) is associated with the east, symbolizing growth and transformation. Its representative color is green, so the roofs of the imperial princes’ palaces during the Ming and Qing dynasties were covered with green tiles—signifying the hope for their health, development, and exceptional abilities.