Anding Gate (安定门)

Anding Gate was named Anzhen Gate in the Yuan Dynasty. This gate was the one through which the victorious troops marched after battles. Observing the picture took in 1924, you may notice that the whole building structure was tidy and compact. What vehicles should pass through the gate in ancient China? After troops victoriously returned from battles, they marched through it, since Anding in Chinese means peace, and the gate was the gate of peace. The victory of the troops indicated the coming of peace in Beijing, and that’s why. Another truth is most excrement carts usually passed through it in the past, because the area near Ditan (地坛: Altar of Earth) was once mainly used as the excrement site of Beijing, just located outside Anding Gate.

Dongzhi Gate (东直门)

Dongzhi Gate was named Suiren Gate (祟仁门) in the Yuan Dynasty. It was once the poorest gate among the nine gates of Beijing, for those who gathered there were mostly kiln vendors from the suburban areas of Beijing. Sundry goods were the main products in Wongcheng (瓮城) of this place, but the statue of the King of Medicines was extremely elaberate. Carts carrying bricks, tiles and wood logs usually passed through the gate. In fact, not only did these carts pass through it, but all kinds of other carts owned by average people passed through it.

Xizhi Gate (西直门)

Xizhi Gate was named Heyi Gate (和义门) in the Yuan Dynasty and is the sister of Dongzhi Gate. It is said that the water of the Jade Spring Mountain (玉泉山: Yu Quan Shan) consumed by the emperors and their families in the past was usually carried into the city of Beijing through it. This gate is located in the north of Xicheng District and was the site where the Yuan Dynasty’s capital city was located. Today Xizhi Gate has turned into one of the business cards of Beijing and is located near the Xizhimen Bridge (西直门桥).

The Nine Gates of Beijing (1)

The Nine Gates of Beijing (2)

Source: baike.baidu.com