Southeast Corner Tower
Southeast Corner Tower, Military watchtower in Dongcheng District, China.
Description
The Southeast Corner Tower is a defensive stone structure that rises above ground level with archery openings positioned on multiple sides. These openings are methodically arranged and allowed defenders to fire in several directions.
History
The structure was built during the 1430s in the Ming Dynasty as part of the city's inner defense system. It served as a monitoring and protection point at one of the critical corners of Beijing's fortified walls.
Culture
The tower displays historical photographs showing how Beijing's architecture and defense systems evolved over time. Visitors can see the role these structures played in protecting the city and how people adapted to changes.
Practical
The site is located near a major train station and can be reached on foot while exploring the surrounding area. The best time to visit is in early morning or late afternoon when there are fewer crowds.
Did you know?
Foreign soldiers left scratches and markings on the tower's stone walls during a historical occupation. These marks remain visible today and tell an unusual story from a turbulent period.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Dongcheng District).
Underground City
2 km
Beijing Ancient Observatory
678 mChongwenmen
1 km
Zhihua Temple
1.8 kmJianguomen
806 m
Temple of the Sun
1.8 km
Beijing Ming City Wall Ruins Park
121 mHua Feng Hotel
1.9 kmDongdan, Beijing
1.7 km
Beijing International Club
999 m
French legation in Beijing
1.6 km
St. Michael's Church, Beijing
2 km
Asbury Church
1.3 km
Anhua building
949 m
Henderson Centre, Beijing
908 m
China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum
1.1 km
Chang'an Grand Theatre
1.2 km
总理各国事务衙门建筑遗存
1.7 km
Cai Yuanpei's Former Residence
1.8 km
宁郡王府
1.5 km
Scitech Plaza
912 mChina Customs Museum
828 m
Former French Post office in Beijing
1.7 km
Nangangzi Catholic Church
1.5 kmAmbassador of Poland to China
1.8 km
China National Museum of Women and Children
1.4 km
Dongbianmen Bridge
121 m
Scitech Hotel
1.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes