Zhonghua Gate
» Nanjing, Jiang Su

中华门 屹立数百年,岿然不动

Zhonghuamen

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.

About the name

Construction of the castle took twenty-one years, from 1366 to 1387. The 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.

What to explore

Three closed courtyards

The gate 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.

Twenty-seven tunnels

Twenty-seven tunnels were built in the castle to store large quantities of food and weapons and to hold approximately 3000 soldiers.

Wide and steep ramps

Wide and steep ramps were built on the east and west side to allow people to carry materials upward.

Bricks

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. 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.

Souvenirs

  • Nanjing souvenirs include colorful pebbles (Yuhuashi) from the Yuhuatai area in Nanjing.
  • Cloud pattern brocades which come in several types with the Zhuang brocade and Zhi brocade considered the best examples.
  • Jinling fans have been renowned since the Ming Dynasty and they come in bamboo, silk and bone varieties.
  • Swan velvet is a traditional Nanjing silk product that is intricately woven with fine silk floss featuring flower patterns, these also come in different varieties from cushions to wall hangings.

What to taste

People in Nanjing boast of the rich flavors in their cuisine as preserves the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering or underwhelming. A specialty around here is salted duck, the meat is succulently tender with a crispy skin. Try a kind of pudding made from tofu, green onion pancakes and dumplings soup. Other specialties are Huangqiao sesame seed cake and Kaiyang dried vermicelli, Jiangyouji's beef soup and so on.

How to get there

  • Bus Route: 2,16, 26, 33, 49, 88 Tourism Bus No. 2 & 4

Attractions around » Nanjing, Jiang Su

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

  Weather

  1. When to go

  Shopping

  1. Where to exchange money?

  Customs

  1. What are some interesting festivals?

  Other Hints

  1. Health and Security
  2. Useful numbers

  • When to go

    Known as one of the three hottest cities in China, Nanjing's scorching summer period is to be avoided.

    The short and comfortable autumn time from October to mid-November is the best travel period for the city.

    Unlike other southern cities in China, in December, it sometimes snows in the city. If fortunately, you will have an opportunity to appreciate the enthralling white snow world of Nanjing. In the coldest month - January, the temperature could be as low as -7C (19F).


  • What are some interesting festivals?

    Jinling Lanterns Fair
    It was said that the first lantern fair was held in this region in the reign of Hong Wu in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), when Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang ordered a spring lantern fair to be held to celebrate both the coming new year and prosperity of the country. This tradition was passed down from generation to generation and reached its height in the Ming and Qing periods. Each year from the first day of the lunar January the lantern fair celebration is held in the area surrounding Fuzimiao.
    Period: 1st, Jan - 15th, Jan depending on lunar calendar

    Nanjing Int'l Plum Festival (Plum Hill)
    In the early spring between February and March, Nanjing International Plum Festival opens as the first ceremonial tourist event of the year. The meeting place is chosen on Plum Hill. Reputed as the First Plum Hill under Heaven, it is one of the eight plum appreciation sights having the most variety, longest history and being the largest in the country. Because the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year always falls in this period, spectacular celebrations of blossom appreciation, show performances, cultural exhibitions and bazaar shopping are be held.
    Period: Feb. - Mar. (the one in 2005 began on Feb. 10th and ended on Mar. 15th)

    Cherry Blossom Festival
    In late March, Xuanwu Park becomes a sea of cherry blossom and photography lovers and tourists throng to see the charming scenery.

    Yuhuashi (Rain Flower Pebbles) Art Festival
    Yuhuashi, a kind of rain-flower pattern agate, is a very popular tourist souvenir. Each year in September, an art and cultural festival is held in Yuhuatai (Rain Flower Terrace) Scenic Area. Exhibition of precious agate stones and performances will be presented.
    Period: September


  • Where to exchange money?

    You can exchange money at Lu Kou International Airport, branch offices of the Bank of China at Zhongshan Donglu, just east of Xinjiekou traffic circle and most hotels in the city.

    Rates at hotels may be a little higher than those in the Bank of China. Some hotels only exchange currency for their own guests.


  • Health and Security

    The health and security of the guests coming to Nanjing is a prime concern among the authorities.

    There are adequate number of police stations where the guests report to in case they face any kind of a problem.

    There are also many hospitals in Nanjing where the tourists can go in case any emergency arises.


  • Useful numbers

    Tourist Hotline: 5261179
    Ambulance: 120, 7213460
    Emergencies: 110 (foreigner's section 552729)
    Fire: 119
    Tel No. Enquiry: 114
    Police: 110
    Foreign Affairs Office of Police: 7216795

Considered as the largest one of its kind in China and also the most complicated and best-preserved city gate in the world, Zhonghua Gate has a history of more than 600 years. It is extremely well-kept except for some small cracks of the brick construction. The gate is an excellent design and has relatively high military and artistic value.



Tour Searching
Tour Packages We Provide
Package Searching 101
Customized Tour Design
Tour Booking
Fill Your Cart
Travel Agreement
Order Confirmation
Deposit & Payment
Methods of Payment
Deposit
Final Payment
Cancellation
Alteration
Customer Service
Contact Us
Our Guarantees
Lodge a Complaint
Travel Tips
Sitemap
Popular China Travel Destinations & Tours
phone U.S.A. +1 (310) 997-0051 / +1 (310) 878-2934
Canada +1 (604) 998-6945
China +86 (10) 8409-8570 / +86 (10) 8409-8571
email info@yeschinatour.commsn: help@yeschinatour.com