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Zhonghua Gate, Nanjing Attractions
Brief Introduction
Zhonghua Gate (Chinese Gate) is the south gate of Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province. A precious cultural relic, Zhonghua Gate has the double distinction of being the biggest castle-style city gate in China and a structural element of the most complicated castle in the world. It is the castle's magnificent scale, delicate structure, and the great skill with which it was built that bequeath it an important place in China's military and architectural traditions.
Construction
Accordingly to the history, it takes 22 years to built castle, Zhonghua Gate originally called the 'Gate of Gathering Treasure' carries a legend from the time of its creation in the early Ming Dynasty. According to the legend, when Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), had the gate built, the ground kept sinking. The gate collapsed again and again. It was not until a treasure bowl was buried under the gate that it stood firm. In 1931, to commemorate the revolution of 1911 and the Republic of China (1919-1949) that emerged as a result, the Gate of Gathering Treasure was renamed Zhonghua Gate. In Chinese Pinyin, Republic of China is written as Zhonghua Minguo. At the top step, there used to be a wooden building to defend against the enemy. The middle step was built of brick and stone. It was 65.15 m long, 47.20 m wide and 9.00 m high. In the north section of it were constructed 7 soldier staying holes. In the middle of the lower step was constructed an arched gate leading to barbican. It was 52.60 m long, 5.35 m wide and 8.7 m high. At the north section of it were built 3 soldier staying holes. Erdaomen (the second gate) was 16.14 m away from Toudaomen. Its hole was 8.20 m long, 4.97 m wide and 8.10 m high. The hole of Sandaomen (the third gate) 15.18 m away from Erdaomen was 8.32 m long, 4.82 m wide and 8.1 m high. Sidaomen (the fourth gate) was 19.3 m away from Sandaomen. Its hole was 8.8 m long, 4.8 m wide and 8.1 m high. At the outerside of the east and west of barbican were constructed 14 soldier staying holes (7 facing to the east 7 facing to the west). There are 27 soldier staying holes altogether in all the barbican and two paved ramps by which mounted troops can ride to the top.
Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of Ming Dynasty, made Nanjing as the capital. For security, Zhu Yuanzhang began to build a wall around the city of Nanjing to defend it from attack in 1366. The Gate of Gathering Treasure (Zhonghua Gate) was built on the site of a previous gate, the south gate of the city built during the Later Tang Dynasty (923 - 936). The new gate, the grandest among the thirteen gates of the new castle, was an architecturally complex structure composed of three closed courtyards and four arched doors serving as the entrance. There were double paneled wooden doors and with additional stone door set behind. If the enemy broke through the wooden doors, they could be separated and trapped in the three closed courtyards upon dropping the stone doors.
In the Zhonghua Gate, there are Twenty-seven tunnels that were built in the castle to store large quantities of food and weapons and to hold approximately 3000 soldiers. Wide and steep ramps were built on the east and west side to allow people to carry materials upward. The entire structure was built with massive bricks mortared together with special cement made from lime, sticky rice juice and tung oil. In order to guarantee the quality of the construction, every brick underwent a strict quality control process. The brick makers and builders were ordered to mark their names on each brick. Even today, it is possible to find Chinese characters and numbers on the bricks.
The Zhonghua Gate has the history of around 600 years and still holds its original state except the wooden part. It is rare in the world for its bast scale and sophisticated style. No doubt, this detailed attention to quality of construction is one of the reasons why the condition of the castle remains so remarkably good today.
Travel Guide
Admission Fee: CNY 50
Opening Hours: 8:30-20:00
Address: Zhonghua Gate, Qinhuai District, Nanjing
Recommended Time for Visit: 1 hour
How to get to Zhonghua Gate
Bus route: take bus No. 33, 16, 701, 202, 2 and get off Zhonghuamen (Zhonghua Gate) stop
Metro route: take metro line 1 and get off at Zhonghua Gate station
Duration:6-8 hours
Attractions(Cities):Sun Yet-Sen Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Lingu Temple, Confucious Temple
Tour Style:Make the most of your time to get a unique travel experience in Nanjing on a full-day Nanjing tour. Served as the capital city of ancient China, Nanjing is endowed with profound history and cultural sites. With your knowledgeable and historical guide, you'll visit the majestic Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum, marvel at the Presidential Palace, explore the peaceful Lingu Temple, and follow in the paths of emperors on a relaxing Qinhuai River cruise near the Confucius Temple. This tour combines rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings, offering you an immersive experience of Nanjing's culture and heritage. It is a perfect private-designed tour to lead you through Nanjing's timeless landmarks with comfortable city transfer, ensuring a smooth and unforgettable journey.
Duration:6-8 hours
Attractions(Cities):Nanjing Massacre Museum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Confucius Temple
Tour Style:This 2-day Nanjing sightseeing tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. On day one, you’ll begin your journey at Sun Yat-Sen’s Mausoleum, set against the picturesque backdrop of Purple Mountain, where you'll learn about the legacy of modern China’s founding father. From there, head to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the burial site of the first Ming emperor, renowned for its grand architecture and serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Confucius Temple, a peaceful cultural site surrounded by the lively Qinhuai River area, where you can experience both the spiritual significance and the local charm of Nanjing’s historic heart. On day two, you’ll explore Niushoushan, a tranquil mountain retreat known for its spiritual significance and stunning architecture. Finally, your tour will take you to the Nanjing Ming City Wall, a fortress that once protected the city, where you can walk along its well-preserved sections and admire the panoramic views of Nanjing. This thoughtfully crafted itinerary provides a comprehensive look at Nanjing’s iconic landmarks, combining rich history with scenic landscapes. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city’s past and present, making this an enriching and memorable experience.
Duration:6-8 hours
Attractions(Cities):Niushoushan
Tour Style:Join us for a Niu Shou Mountain One Day Tour from Nanjing, where you’ll immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural heritage of this renowned Buddhist site. This private tour takes you to the stunning Usnisa Palace, home to the sacred Usnisa Relic, and several ancient temples scattered across the mountain. You’ll also have the chance to hike scenic trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, providing a peaceful and reflective experience. Explore the historical significance of Niu Shou Mountain, known for its deep connections to Buddhist culture and history, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere that has attracted visitors for centuries. Learn about the traditional architecture of the temples and pagodas while discovering the rich cultural background of this sacred place. With a knowledgeable guide and smooth transportation, this stress-free tour allows you to fully appreciate the beauty, significance, and serenity of Niu Shou Mountain in just one day—an ideal experience for those seeking a cultural, spiritual, and scenic journey in a peaceful and awe-inspiring setting.
Duration:2 Days, 1 Nights
Attractions(Cities):Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, Linggu Temple, Zijinshan Mountain, Meiling Palace, Presidential Palace, Ming City Wall, Confucius Temple
Tour Style:Embark on the Best Nanjing Tours with our 2-Day Private Nanjing Highlights Tour, an itinerary for travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of one of China’s most historically rich cities. Over two unforgettable days, you'll explore Nanjing’s imperial past, revolutionary legacy, and cultural treasures. Visit the majestic Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, a symbol of China’s modernization, and experience the serenity of Linggu Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples. Hike through Zijinshan Mountain, known for its historical significance and stunning views. Explore the Meiling Palace, once home to Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mayling, and marvel at the Presidential Palace, a testament to Nanjing’s role in modern Chinese history. Walk along the ancient Ming City Wall, a massive fortress that has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, and immerse yourself in the charm of the Confucius Temple. This private tour blends historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural insight, perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with Nanjing’s past and present.
Duration:2 Days, 1 Night
Attractions(Cities):Nanjing Massacre Museum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Confucius Temple, Dr.Sun Yat-Sen’s Mausoleum, Linggu temple, Nanjing Ming City Wall
Tour Style:This 2-day private tour offers a perfect introduction to the rich history and culture of Nanjing. Begin your journey with a visit to the Nanjing Massacre Museum, a deeply emotional and significant site that honors the lives lost during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. Then, explore the majestic Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the burial site of the first Ming emperor, and gain insight into the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty. Continue your tour at the Presidential Palace, a symbol of Nanjing’s political history, followed by the Confucius Temple, a cultural hub that reflects the lasting influence of Confucius' teachings. In the afternoon, visit Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, a tribute to the founding father of modern China, and the serene Linggu Temple, known for its tranquil atmosphere and historical significance. The tour also includes a visit to the Nanjing Ming City Wall, one of China’s most impressive and well-preserved ancient walls, offering both historical insight and breathtaking views. This carefully crafted itinerary provides an immersive experience into Nanjing’s rich cultural and historical heritage, guided by an expert who will bring each site to life. This tour ensures a memorable journey through one of China’s most historically significant cities.
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