If you're near Tiananmen and Qianmen now that the holiday crowds are beginning to thin, consider visiting the recently reopened...
Zhengyangmen Archery Tower (正阳门箭楼 Zhèngyángmén Jiànlóu).
Built in 1419 during the Ming dynasty, the Zhengyangmen Gate and its archery tower—often referred to as Qianmen, or “front gate”—functioned as a crucial southern defense point managing access to the imperial city, with Yongdingmen to the south overseeing entry to the Chinese city.
Why Visit?
Having been closed to the public for an extended period due to renovations, the tower's reopening offers a new opportunity to learn about the city's history and enjoy panoramic views of the Qianmen area along the Central Axis. Additionally, there are themed exhibits and a gift shop available on the premises.
The Details
Zhengyangmen Archery Tower is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am-5pm (with the last entry at 4:30pm). You can secure a visit through the Beijing Central Axis Heritage Protection Center's official WeChat (Follow 北京中轴线遗产保护中心, then select “Services” and “预约参观”) using a passport and a Chinese phone number.
Zhengyangmen Archery Tower 正阳门箭楼 2A Qianmen Dajie, Dongcheng District 东城区前门大街甲2号 Hours: Tue-Sun, 9am-5pm
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Images: Uni You, Vincent R. Vinci
If you're in the vicinity of Tian'anmen and Qianmen, the archery tower is an excellent spot to explore for its historical significance and scenic views.