North Archway

North Archway

The North Archway is located at the northwest corner of Runan City, on the southern bank of the Ru River that flows around the city. It stands just a stone’s throw away from the Hongji Bridge, which spans the river, with a direct path connecting the two. Crossing the Hongji Bridge and passing through the North Archway is the only way to enter Runan City from the north.

The North Archway was built in the 18th year of the Hongwu reign during the Ming Dynasty (1385 AD) and was renovated during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty. The archway tunnel is 38 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 21 meters high, with a passage inside that is 4.6 meters wide. The long walls of the tunnel are built with specially made large blue bricks. The top of the tunnel forms a semi-circular arch. The upper part of the gate features a spacious flat surface where a watchtower was constructed. In ancient times, Runan City was surrounded by water on all sides and had tall city walls, making the solidly fortified North Gate truly as impregnable as the saying goes — “One man guards the pass, ten thousand are unable to get through.”

The North Archway has a long history and is exceptionally sturdy. For hundreds of years, despite being battered by wind and rain and attacked in wars, it still stands firmly and has been relatively well preserved. In 1982, it was listed as a county-level cultural relic protection unit.

The city gate is covered with numerous cannon and gun holes, remnants of repeated battles. The sight evokes thoughts of the poetic line: “Recalling the days of war’s alarm, how often we held the line against foes with this stronghold.”