Most major Chinese cities were once protected by walls, and as a former imperial capital, Nanjing still boasts many impressive fortifications. While great walls once wrapped around the entire city, the strong point of the city's defense was the southern Zhonghua Gate.

Zhonghua City Gate
More of an imposing fortress than a mere gate, the remarkably well preserved Zhonghua Gate is just as striking today as it was centuries ago, and is one of the best preserved Ming Dynasty fortresses in all of China. The gate was designed in the form of a series of closed courtyards. If the enemy broke through the outer gate, they would be trapped in the first courtyard. They would have to break through not only the main gate, but three successive courtyards before they could enter the city, all the while being attacked from the ramparts above.

The courtyards have been adapted to a more peaceful purpose - today they house the gardens of Nanjing's local bonsai enthusiasts. Stairs lead up to the upper ramparts and main tower of the fort, with long wide steps so that commanders could ride their horses up. Under the walls are 27 tunnels, where food, water, and weapons were stored in case of a siege. If you look closely at the bricks you can see Chinese characters and numbers stamped into them.

For "quality control," the emperor ordered that the names of the builders and brick makers be marked on the bricks, so if they were any problems later he could punish those at fault. Apparently the threat worked, since the bricks and masonry are in almost as good condition now as they were 600 years ago. The ancient stones draped with ivy make a striking contrast with the shiny glass skyscrapers only a few blocks north. Its very easy to visit Zhonghua Men - it's located in the south of Nanjing, just a few minutes walk from the popular Fuzi Miao historic district and bazaar.