After hundreds of years guarding the Chinese Emperors in the Forbidden City, this magnificent gate still stands tall and proud on the edge of Tiananmen Square.
Qianmen Gate was once a vital part of Beijing’s heavily fortified ancient city wall. Situated between the imperial domain of the Forbidden City and the outer Beijing suburbs, it provided the key thoroughfare between the restricted royal palace and the rest of the city.The structure of Qianmen Gate follows a traditional design, with two watchtowers flanking a walled courtyard. This made the entrance easily defendable, as any unwelcome visitors would find themselves greeted with a volley of arrows as they tried to make their way through the protected passages.It was through this Gate that the Emperor would pass as he travelled to Tiantan – or the Altar of Heaven – to make offerings of prayer and sacrifice. Officials and emissaries would enter the Forbidden City this way too, making it the main passage for trade and politics in China’s imperial past. The surrounding area is still a centre of trade, with countless shops and restaurants for you to explore.For a small entry fee you can enter the larger structure – the Gate of True Sun. Visit the museum in the base of this tower, dedicated to preserving the history of the legendary imperial palace. Through a display of ancient photos and historic artefacts, the museum traces the rise and fall of Beijing’s Forbidden City.To enjoy a view of Tiananmen Square that is second to none, make your way to the top of the stone staircase and look out across the bustling crowds. From the top of the tower, you’ll get a privileged viewpoint of the goings-on in Beijing’s main urban district.The smaller gate – known as the Grey Arrow Tower – is closed to the public, but still worth admiring from the outside. It makes for a spectacular sight when lit up at night, its many arrow slits creating dramatic shadows against the illuminated walls.Qianmen Gate is easy to reach from both Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Qianmen subway station is just a few minutes’ walk away and the area is served by a number of major bus routes.
