Southeast Corner Tower, Military watchtower in Dongcheng District, China.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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