Yingtian Gate
The Yingtian Gate served as a ceremonial and celebratory venue for the Sui, Tang, and Wuzhou dynasties under Empress Wu Zetian's rule. Emperor Gaozong of Tang once issued an edict here to release King Uija of Baekje, and Empress Wu Zetian ascended to the throne and declared herself emperor at this location. The emperors also received foreign envoys, such as the Japanese envoys to Sui and Tang, at the Yingtian Gate.
Reconstruction
The reconstruction project cost approximately 350 million yuan (RMB) and was designed by architect Guo Daiheng. The city gate stands 120 Chinese feet tall (equivalent to 35 meters today), has a depth of 25 meters, and is situated on a 9.2-meter-high base. The base measures 137 meters in width from east to west and has a north–south depth of 60 meters. The base houses a museum that showcases the ancient ruins of the Yingtian Gate. After its reconstruction, the Yingtian Gate serves as a city landmark and features a public square where citizens can visit and relax.
References