Zhonghua Gate

The largest surviving city gate of the Ming-era Nanjing wall and one of the most elaborate defensive gate complexes ever built in China. Rather than a single passage, it forms a fortress of four successive gateways and enclosed courtyards, or barbicans, designed to trap and destroy any enemy who breached the outer arch. Twenty-seven vaulted chambers within the ramparts once sheltered soldiers and stores. Visitors climb onto the broad brick platform, explore the hidden troop tunnels and look out over the moat and modern city from the summit.