Fenghuang Ancient City Wall

Fenghuang Ancient City Wall

The Fenghuang Ancient City Wall was built in the 54th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1715). The existing ruins include the North Gate and East Gate towers, as well as parts of the wall. The North Gate tower is relatively well-preserved, and all four towers have been restored. A section of the wall connects the North Gate and East Gate towers, and in front of the wall lies the crystal-clear Tuojiang River. The reflection of the wall on the water is particularly spectacular. The wall served both military defense and urban flood control purposes. Despite having endured several wars, it still stands firmly along the banks of the Tuojiang River, forming an artificial barrier.

The North Gate Tower, built in the 54th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty, features an overall architectural style typical of the Qing Dynasty. It has two levels, with a double-eave hip-and-gable roof, a post-and-lintel structure, and a waist eave. The upper level is constructed of brick and wood, while the lower level is made of red sandstone strips. Inside the tower are eight gun ports. The gate at the base is built from purple-red sandstone, with wooden doors reinforced with iron plates and densely studded with round-headed iron nails—solid, imposing, and majestic. Above the gate is inscribed the three large characters “壁辉门” (Bihui Gate). Above the gate inscription are finely crafted relief sculptures of figures and mythical beasts, vivid and lifelike. The tower is 20 meters tall overall, 12 meters wide, with a gate opening that is 3 meters high, 3.5 meters wide, and 4.5 meters thick, featuring a semi-circular arch that connects to the city wall.

The East Gate Tower, also built in the 54th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty, is located to the east of the city, adjacent to the Tuojiang River. It was originally named “升恒门” (Shengheng Gate). Its structure is largely identical to that of the North Gate Tower. The wall is constructed using uniformly sized red sandstone strips, with a thickness of 0.8 meters. The lower part is built with stone strips and lime mortar, filled in the middle with crushed stone and clay, compacted layer by layer. The upper part is filled with a mixture of lime, pebbles, and yellow earth known as “sanhe tu” (three-material soil), about 0.33 meters thick, topped with layers of red sandstone blocks.

As time passes, the ancient city wall remains standing proudly, silently telling visitors the past and legends of Fenghuang.