Chaoyang Gate — A Gateway for Grain Transport

Chaoyang Gate was one of Beijing’s city gates through which grain transported by the Grand Canal entered the capital. Much of the food supply for the capital’s residents came through the gate, which is why an ear of grain was carved above its gate arch. Grain entering through Chaoyang Gate was then stored in nearby granaries. 

The Chaoyang Gate tower was 32 meters wide and 17 meters deep. It was covered with gray cylindrical roof tiles edged with green glazed tiles, with seven ornamental beasts along the ridge. Each of the first and second floors had 20 corridor pillars, while four additional pillars at the corners of the second floor supported the four corners of its double-tiered eaves. In 1903, the gate tower underwent a comprehensive renovation, with all damaged interior and exterior components replaced, restoring its imposing appearance. 

In May 1953, to improve traffic flow, the Beijing municipal government submitted a report to the central government requesting the removal of the memorial archway in front of Chaoyang Gate. On May 9, the central government approved the demolition of the gate towers and barbicans of Chaoyang Gate and Fucheng Gate to allow traffic to pass directly through. The demolition of the Chaoyang Gate tower was completed on April 29, 1957. 

n 1978, an overpass was built on the original site of the vanished Chaoyang Gate. Vehicles now travel around a roundabout here, much as people once walked around the city wall. The atmosphere of small-scale commerce that once dominated the area was replaced by a modern cultural scene blending Chinese and Western influences. Today, those emerging from Chaoyang Gate subway station include determined white-collar workers, international visitors, and young creatives drawn to the bars and cuisines from around the world.