UNESCO World Heritage ‘Zhengyang Gate Arrow’ Reopened After 30 Years for Public

In 1419, during the reign of the Yongle Emperor of Ming Dynasty built the historic monument which is located in the South of Tiananmen Square in Beijing covering an area of 0.21 hectares. His reign is well-known for their ambitious construction projects which includes the Forbidden city, the Great Canal and the Temple of Heaven. The Zhengyang Gate Arrow stands unique and majestic to showcase the strength of the defense system and it also features many holes on the tower which is used diplomatically to monitor and guard the southern side of the city.

Novel Features of Zhengyang Gate & Arrow Tower

The Gate tower is the oldest and the highest memorial in Beijing which stands with the height of 43.65 meters i.e., 143 feet tall, it is a four story building with double eaves, green glazed tiles, winding corridors, and multiple doors. There is a museum in the gate tower which exhibits the history of Qianmen and Beijing’s city fortifications. The Arrow towers possess four floors with 13 arrow holes each and it is considered as the symbol of old Beijing.

Why were the Public barred?

For the past 30 years, the public were barred from visiting the historical tower for various reasons like preservation of the ancient structures, safety concerns, renovation, look after its cultural significance rather than commercial interests and urban development. 

On Thursday, Beijing’s Zhengyang Gate Arrow reopened after thirty years for the public visit. It is one of the important monuments of UNESCO’s World Heritage which is a “testament to the city’s rich historical heritage”. The highlight of this reopening is to promote cultural tourism, and propagate Chinese Culture. The given information ensures that this iconic tower has undergone a detailed restoration in the last thirty years.

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