Anyuanmen, Historical city gate in Lianhu District, Xi'an, China

Anyuanmen is the north gate of Xi'an's city wall, located slightly west of the midpoint of the northern stretch. It preserves its barbican, arrow tower and two gate passages; the gate tower itself was destroyed in 1911. The gate's lintel bears an inscription by Shaanxi military governor Zhang Fenghui dated June 1912.

The gate was built during the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century and functioned as a military checkpoint and primary city access point. Over subsequent centuries, it underwent repairs and modifications while maintaining its position as a key entry to the city.

The name Anyuan, "pacifying the distant," reflects the Ming court's policy of conciliating frontier peoples. The gate's lintel bears an inscription by Shaanxi military governor Zhang Fenghui, dated June 1912, the first year of the Republic.

The gate is easily accessible by Anyuanmen Metro Station and sits near several museums and the old market district. Visitors should bring water on warm days and wear sturdy shoes, as the surrounding streets can be quite crowded.

The gate's name means "pacify the distant," reflecting the Ming court's policy of conciliating frontier peoples and hoping they would submit to the dynasty. The lintel over the main archway bears an inscription by Shaanxi military governor Zhang Fenghui, dated June 1912, the first year of the Republic.