Nanjing City Wall at Zhonghua Gate

Zhonghua Gate (Gate of China) is the southern entrance of the Ming dynasty city wall of Nanjing, in Qinhuai District, Jiangsu, and is regarded as the largest surviving gate fortress in China. The wall was built in the fourteenth century under the Hongwu Emperor and once ran about 35 km, with roughly 25 km still standing around the city. Zhonghua Gate is a compound of three successive courtyards guarded by four gates, each with heavy portcullis-style doors, and its massive brick and stone walls rise about 20 metres. Inside the walls, there are 27 arched storage tunnels that were used to house troops and supplies, and some of them now hold a small museum on the fortifications and the history of the wall. Visitors can climb ramps to the top of the ramparts and walk along the parapet, which gives views over the old town, the Qinhuai River and the modern skyline. The bricks bear stamped inscriptions naming the makers and regions that supplied them, a distinctive detail of the Ming construction. Allow one and a half to two hours to explore the courtyards, tunnels and walkway. Late afternoon is the best time to see the light on the brick, and views to the Yuhuatai area and the city are best in clear weather. Crowds are usually moderate, with weekends and holidays busier, and the site is quiet on weekday mornings. It combines easily with the Confucius Temple area, which lies a short distance to the north, and Metro Line 1 stops at Zhonghuamen Station about five minutes' walk from the gate. Signage includes some English and the site's steps and ramps can be steep in places, so visitors should wear sturdy shoes.