Zhonghua Gate

Located in the south of the city proper of Nanjing, Zhonghua Gate is a gate and defensive complex on the city wall of Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China. It was originally the south front gate of the capital of the Southern Tang Dynasty (937-975). It used to be the largest castle-type inner gate of ancient Nanjing City, and now it becomes the biggest existing the Urn Gate in the wall, as well as the biggest well-preserved Urn Gate in the world with the most complicated structure.

Zhonghua Gate was originally built from 1369 to 1375, during the reign era of the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang(the founder of the Ming dynasty). It used to be call as "Gathering Treasure Gate" in the Ming Dynasty. In 1927, the Kuomintang government (The National Government of China) took its capital in Nanjing, and renamed the gate as Zhonghua Gate. The Chinese name “中华门" on horizontal inscribed board at the top of the gate was written by Chiang Kai-shek, who was the leader of the Kuomintang government at that time. As the biggest Gate Urn in world, the gate is of great significance in the military, historically or culturally history. It is important to offer kind of information for the study of ancient Chinese military installations. In the ancient times, there were caves for keeping soldiers and material reserve. The 27 solders-hiding holes here are quite attractive for military fans. Two 11-meter-wide sloping paths outside of the eastern and western walls leads to the gate tower. Its architectural structure and form as an ancient city gate are rarely seen in China.

The highest point of the gate is about 21 meters. And the whole building is about 120 meters long and 120 meters wide. The entire building was built by bricks and stones. The motar between the bricks and stones was made of tung oil, lime and sticky rice juice mixture, water and so on.

When visitors tour at the gate area, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Nanjing city on the wall, also get some knowledge of the development history of China’s city gate in the "Urn Gate History Gallery".
 

Facts of Zhonghua Gate

Zhonghua Gate was called Jubao Gate in the past. The Junbao Mountain is located near the gate, hence the name. In 1928, it was renamed Zhonghua Gate. It is the most important gate among the 13 gates of the Nanjing City Wall. Zhonghua Gate is 127 meters from south to north, 116 meters from east to west and 21.45 meters high. The 4 gates of the Zhonghua Gate form the 3 inner cities. The plaque of the Zhonghua Gate was written by Chiang Kaishek. Zhonghua Gate used to be the commercial center and residential area of the Nanjing people in the Ming Dynasty.

Nanjing City Wall

Zhonghua Gate is one of the 13 gates of the Nanjing City Wall, which is important part of the Nanjing City Wall. Nanjing City Wall was first built in 1366, which cost 28 years to construct. Nanjing City Wall is about 35.26 kilometers long with 13 gates, which is the longest existing city wall in the world with masonry structure.

As important part of the cultural heritage of Nanjing, Nanjing City Wall witnessed the history and development of Nanjing. Visiting the Nanjing City Wall, you will know about the history and stories of Nanjing. Among the 13 gates of Nanjing City Wall, you can choose one or several gates to visit. Strolling on the Nanjing City Wall, you will experience the blending of the history and modernity of Nanjing.
 

Qianjin Gate

There are 3 barbicans and 4 arched fates inside the Zhonghua Gate. And there is gate that can be opened up and down inside each gate, which is also known as Qianjin Gate. Qianjin Gate is important part of the defense system of the Nanjing City Wall. If the enemy invaded the barbican, the gate could be quickly put down to prevent the enemy from entering and cut off their retreat. Together with the soldier cave shelters, the army of the gate can resist the enemy effectively. Nowadays, the gates of the Zhonghua Gate no longer exist.
 

Best Time to Visit the Zhonghua Gate

With historical and cultural significance, Zhonghua Gate is recommended to visit all the year round. In spring, the weather gets warm and the plants near the Zhonghua Gate turn green, which is vibrant and beautiful. In summer, the sky is blue and crisp, and you can have a wide vision of the landscapes around the Zhonghua Gate. In autumn, the ginkgo trees near the Zhonghua Gate turn yellow and golden, which make the Zhonghua Gate more beautiful and charming. In winter, Zhonghua Gate is quiet with less crowds. If you prefer silent atmosphere, you can visit the Zhonghua Gate in winter. And if you are lucky enough, you can see the Nanjing city covered by snow at the Zhonghua Gate.

How to Get to Zhonghua Gate

Bus: You may take Bus Tour游2, 游4, 2, 204, 220, 16, 26, 33, 49, 88, 101, 102, 105, 106, 305 and get off at Zhonghua Gate Station

Subway: You can take Subway Line 1 and get off at Zhonghua Gate Station or San Shan Jie Station, and then walk for 10 minutes to get there.