Andingmen, city gate of Xi'an
Andingmen is a city gate on the west side of Xi'an's ancient walls in Lianhu District. It features a large archway entrance, an arrow tower built during the Ming Dynasty, and walls that have been repaired many times while retaining structures from the Ming and Qing periods.
Originally called Shunyi Gate during the Tang Dynasty, it served as the western entrance to the imperial city. It was renamed Andingmen during the early Ming Dynasty when Xi'an's walls were expanded, a name that reflected the city's desire for peace and stability.
The gate's name means 'Peaceful Stability Gate,' a title given during the Ming Dynasty to reflect its role in the city's protection. Today it serves as a connection to how residents once understood their walled city as a place of order and security.
The gate is no longer used for traffic, but visitors can freely explore the exterior streets and the areas inside the city walls. The site is easily accessible for walking, allowing you to observe the architecture and surrounding buildings at your own pace.
The arrow tower was designed specifically for defense, allowing guards to spot enemies approaching from different angles. Though the gate no longer serves defensive purposes, this military architecture still reveals how Xi'an once functioned as a carefully protected imperial center.
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