The "arch" at the top of the photo was the only part I could get when I came out of the Meridian Gate and looked up.
The Meridian Gate, built in 1420, is a huge structure, thicker and higher than many city walls. The total height is about 37.95 meters (124.5 feet).
After walking through the base of this gate (12 meters high), one officially enters the Forbidden City.