Xinhua Gate

Xinhua Gate, Xichang’an Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, Zhongnanhai

Xinhua Gate is situated to the west of the Forbidden City and faces Chang’an Avenue. It is the main entrance and iconic building of Zhongnanhai—the central government’s office compound. Xinhua Gate is located on the western section of Beijing’s West Chang’an Avenue and serves as the main gate to Zhongnanhai, where the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council are headquartered. It symbolizes both Zhongnanhai and the highest level of state power. The yellow police line in front must not be crossed. A guard stands on each side of the gate, and there is another guard positioned to the left inside the screen wall; these three guards form the sentry post. Plainclothes officers are stationed within the police line outside the gate, while uniformed police are posted beyond it—security is extremely tight.

The soldiers standing guard at Xinhua Gate are from the Central Guard Regiment of the People’s Liberation Army, which is responsible for internal security duties among China’s armed police forces. The Central Guard Regiment is solely tasked with the security of high-ranking leaders, and its operations are classified. Only soldiers who undergo rigorous selection and training can join the regiment, and many aspects of their work must remain highly confidential.

Additionally, there are 10–15 plainclothes personnel. Plainclothes refers to individuals—be they military, police, or intelligence agents—who wear ordinary clothing to carry out missions discreetly. They also belong to the Central Guard Regiment. Their primary duty at Xinhua Gate is to handle unusual situations without disturbing the public.