[Photo via VCG]

Serving as a defensive and ritual building complex, Zhengyangmen is the first gate of the Nine Gates of Beijing and was the south gate of the inner city of both the Ming and Qing dynasties, thus known as the "front door". With its large scale and impressive construction, it is a landmark of the city wall around the old town of Beijing and a memory of the countless ritual activities of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Zhengyangmen was where the guards would make entry inspections, collect taxes, manage transportation, greet and see off honor guards and other duties. It was built in the 17th year of the Yongle period in the Ming Dynasty (1419) and was the most magnificent and the tallest of the nine gates. The Arrow Tower is situated on the south side of Zhengyangmen, with arrow slits towards the east, south, and west. 

Address:

(1) Zhengyangmen: South of Tian'anmen Square. 

(2) The Arrow Tower: North Point of the Qianmen Street

Opening Hours:

09:00–17:00, Tuesday to Sunday (last entry at 16:30; closed at 17:00)

Closed on Mondays (except statutory holidays)

Adult / Standard Ticket: 20 yuan per person

Concession Ticket: 10 yuan per person

Official tel.: (8610)65118110

(Sources: Cloud Central Axis Mini Program, official WeChat account of the Beijing Central Axis Heritage Protection Center)