Zhonghuamen Gate in Nanjing: An Immortal Legend of the Ancient Capital

At the southern end of Zhonghua Road in Qinhuai District, Nanjing, a towering city gate stands majestically, silently overlooking the passage of time. This is Zhonghuamen Gate, known as the "best barbican city gate in the world." Originally named Jubao Gate, it is one of the thirteen Ming Dynasty city gates of Nanjing's city wall. It carries a rich history and culture and is a landmark of Nanjing, a city with a thousand years of history. Zhonghuamen Gate was initially named Jubao Gate because it directly faces Jubao Mountain to the south of the city, which is now known as Yuhuatai. The construction process was shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that the gate repeatedly collapsed during construction. Following the guidance of a nursery rhyme, Zhu Yuanzhang borrowed a treasure bowl from Shen Wansan, the richest man in the south of the Yangtze River, and buried it deep beneath the city wall. Only then was the gate successfully completed. This legendary story adds a touch of mystery to Zhonghuamen Gate. In 1931, the Nationalist Government officially renamed it Zhonghuamen, meaning "Gate of China," with the beautiful implication of revitalizing China. This name change also symbolized the changing times and the awakening of the nation. Zhonghuamen is a grand, well-preserved, and structurally complex fortress barbican, presenting a neat "目" (eye) shape. The main city platform is solid and heavy, with three inner barbicans nested within each other, forming a strong defense system. Twenty-seven hidden caves are distributed throughout, capable of accommodating over 3,000 soldiers and storing supplies, playing a crucial role in wartime. East and west ramps facilitate the rapid movement of soldiers and horses, while the ascending ramps cleverly connect various parts. Four arched gates within the barbican are interconnected, each equipped with a thousand-jin gate and double-leaf wooden doors that could be raised and lowered. Although only the gate slots and door positions remain today, they still evoke the grandeur and solemnity of the past. Inside the Zhonghuamen fortress, there are several exhibition halls: the Zhonghuamen and Zhu Yuanzhang Exhibition Hall, the Ming City Brick Exhibition Hall, and the Shen Wansan Exhibition Hall. They showcase the history and culture of Zhonghuamen, as well as related historical figures and events from different perspectives, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the stories behind this city gate. Ascending the gate not only allows visitors to experience the unique charm of Ming Dynasty architecture up close but also offers a panoramic view of the surrounding cityscape. Zhonghuamen is not only an outstanding example of ancient defensive architecture but also a witness to history. In 1937, during the Battle of Nanjing, it became one of the main battlefields. Chinese defenders fought bravely here, defending their homeland with their lives, composing a tragic song of defending their country. Today, Zhonghuamen serves as both valuable physical data for studying ancient Chinese military facilities and an important war memorial, constantly reminding people to remember history and cherish peace. Zhonghua Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing (inside Zhonghuamen Gate) - Opening hours: - Daily: 8:30am - 6:00pm, ticket sales stop at 5:30pm - Peak evening season (April to October): 5:00pm - 10:00pm, ticket sales stop at 9:30pm - Off-season evening (November to March): 5:00pm - 9:00pm, ticket sales stop at 8:30pm - Tickets: 50 yuan - Transportation: Take buses 2, 16, 49, 202, etc., to "Zhonghuamen Castle Station." If you are passionate about historical architecture, Zhonghuamen is definitely a must-visit destination. Here, you can touch the majestic Ming Dynasty architecture, experience the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients, remember the magnificent history, and embark on an unforgettable journey through time.