Xibianmen

Xibianmen is an ancient city gate in Beijing featuring a watchtower that rises above thick stone walls with traditional Chinese military architecture including rectangular openings for defense. The structure formed part of the city's historical fortification system and now stands as a preserved example of this building style.

The gate was built during the Ming Dynasty and served as a strategic western entry point for Beijing's urban defense. It formed part of a large fortification system designed to protect the city from outside threats.

The gate sits among white stones that locals connect to an old story about a craftsman who supposedly turned sheep into building materials.

The gate is easily accessible by public transportation, and the surrounding area offers multiple options for exploring on foot. Early morning or late afternoon visits tend to be less crowded and more comfortable.

The white stones near the moat form different patterns depending on the viewing angle, resembling a herd of grazing sheep to some observers. This visual oddity often goes unnoticed by visitors focused on the gate structure itself.