Foreword: Zhonghua Gate, as a national gate in the ancient city of Nanjing, has witnessed hundreds of years of historical changes. This ancient and sacred gatehouse holds countless stories and legends. In this article, we will explore the more than 600 years of history of Zhonghua Gate and the precious treasures behind it.
1. The Ming Dynasty built Nanjing Jubaomen, also known as Zhonghua Gate: In 1368 AD, Zhu Yuanzhang captured Nanjing, established the Ming Dynasty and set the capital of Nanjing. In order to show the majesty and imperial power of the new dynasty, he decided to build a magnificent city gate tower at the southern main gate, that is, Jubao Gate. With its majestic momentum, this city gate has become one of the symbols of the new dynasty. It is worth mentioning that the construction of the Treasure Gate was very strict, and the craftsmen went to great lengths to ensure that each brick was of excellent quality and that the concrete was dense. This weather-beaten treasure gate still stands today.
Expansion: As the main gate of Nanjing City, Jubaomen has always maintained a majestic and upright posture after more than 600 years of baptism. For countless years, it has witnessed the rise and fall of the Ming Dynasty and carried the heavy responsibility of the reign of successive emperors. Standing in front of the treasure gate, you can feel its grand and solemn aura. The tower above the city gate stands majestically, like a huge pagoda, giving people a solemn feeling. The inner and outer cities of Jubaomen are connected to form a strong city wall, like a barrier guarding Nanjing. The construction process of the Jubaomen is a masterpiece of art of the craftsmen, and every brick and beam has been carefully designed and rigorously constructed, making the entire gate extremely ornamental and defensive. Wandering in front of this magnificent city gate, it is as if you have traveled through time and space, feeling the precipitation of history and the bloom of glory.
Second, the capital was moved to Beijing, and the Daming Gate became a new national gate: In 1397 AD, Zhu Di, the ancestor of the Ming Dynasty, decided to move the capital to Beijing, in order to show the imperial power and national strength, he built a more magnificent and majestic city gate at the south city gate, that is, the Daming Gate. As a new national gate, Daming Gate is 35 meters high and magnificent, symbolizing the national fortune of the Ming Dynasty for 500 years. During its construction, craftsmen worked tirelessly to ensure that it matched the imperial city of Beijing. As a symbol of Ming Chengzu, they built it more magnificent and gorgeous, with the majestic stone lion town guarding the door, and the white stone bridge connecting the inner and outer cities, showing the strength of the dynasty and the power of the ruler.
3. Li Zicheng changed the Dashun Gate, and later restored the Daqing Gate: In 1644 AD, the Ming Dynasty had declined, and Li Zicheng invaded Beijing to establish the Dashun Dynasty. In order to overthrow the Ming Dynasty, he renamed the Daming Gate, which symbolized the royal power of the Ming Dynasty, Dashun Gate, heralding the arrival of a new dynasty. However, Li Zicheng was not able to maintain his rule for long, and was soon defeated by the Manchu Qing coalition and the Dashun dynasty was overthrown. After the Manchu Qing established the Qing Dynasty, the city gate was renamed the Great Qing Gate. Dating back 200 years, the name of the gate has changed several times, witnessing the decline of the Ming Dynasty and the rise of the Qing Dynasty.
4. Emperor Jiajing forcibly ascended the throne through the Zhonghua Gate: Before ascending the throne, Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty prepared to enter the Forbidden City through the Donghua Gate, but Yang Tinghe, the first assistant, insisted that he had not officially become the emperor and should enter through the Donghua Gate according to the etiquette system. However, Emperor Jiajing insisted on entering the palace through the Zhonghua Gate, believing that he was already the legitimate emperor. In the end, after the mediation of the Empress Dowager, Yang Tinghe gave in, and Emperor Jiajing entered the Fengtian Hall through the Zhonghua Gate and officially inherited the unification. It can be seen that the dignity of the status of Zhonghua Gate is related to the national fortune of the society.
5. The legend in the treasure gate: There is a legend that during the construction of the treasure gate, the foundation collapsed twice. Zhu Yuanzhang thought that there were monsters at work, so he ordered Shen Wansan's cornucopia to suppress it. Shen Wansan is a mysterious rich man in Jiangnan who owns a legendary cornucopia that is said to turn stone into gold and flesh into jade. Zhu Yuanzhang was jealous of Shen Wansan's huge wealth and decided to seize the cornucopia and use it to build the cornucopia. However, Shen Wansan would not give up his wealth easily, he quietly entered the construction site of the Treasure Gate at night and hid the cornucopia underground. The next day, when the craftsmen started work again, they found a pit under the gate with a golden cornucopia inside. Everyone thought that this was the favor and blessing of the gods, so they rebuilt the treasure gate. Each brick of the Treasure Gate is carved with a small groove, which is said to be Shen Wansan's handprint. This legend adds a touch of mystery to the Jubao Gate and also makes people more in awe and respect for this ancient city gate.
6. The "Chinese Stone Arch" is one of the treasures of Ming Dynasty architecture. This stone arch has a two-story structure, the upper layer is arched and the lower level is square. The shape of the whole stone arch is exquisite, and the carving is delicate, showing the level of architectural art of the Ming Dynasty. The word "China" on the stone arch is an obvious symbol, which closely links this city gate with the Chinese nation. As one of the symbols of Zhonghua Gate, the stone arch is an important cultural heritage of the ancient city of Nanjing.
Zhonghua Gate has a long history and cultural heritage, carrying the emotions and memories of the Chinese people. It witnessed the rise and fall of the Ming Dynasty and carried the symbol of imperial power and the state. The renaming of Jubaomen and Daming Gate reflects the change of dynasty and the change of times. The legends and heirlooms in the Zhonghua Gate make us pay more attention to the value and significance of this ancient city gate. As a business card of Nanjing, Zhonghua Gate will continue to welcome visitors from all over the world, telling its own stories and legends.