The Wénmíng Gate Tower and City Wall

The Wénmíng Gate Tower and City Wall

The Wénmíng Gate Tower and City Wall is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Wénmíng Gate Tower and City Wall are located on South Street in the county town. They are the most well-preserved gate tower and city wall along the Yangtze River to date, often referred to as the "First Gate of the Ten-Thousand-Li Yangtze." Originally built with earth, the wall was reconstructed with stone during the Ming Dynasty's Tianshun era. In the third year of the Qing Shunzhi reign (1674), the wall was damaged. During renovations in the 29th year of the Qianlong reign (1764), two additional gateways were added. Of the original nine gates, the existing ones include the “Wénmíng Gate” (commonly known as the Great South Gate), which faces the Yangtze River, the “Guǎngfú Gate,” and the “Wàngyíng Gate” (commonly known as the East Gate), along with their towers and parts of the riverside wall. The total length is 1,482 meters, with a height of about 6 meters and an average thickness of 7.5 meters.

The Wénmíng Gate Tower was built in the 29th year of the Qing Qianlong reign (1764). It features a double-eaved, hip-and-gable roof with a mixed post-and-lintel and bracket-arm timber structure. During renovations in the 11th year of the Jiaqing reign (1807), County Magistrate Shào Zhàolù inscribed the three characters “Wénmíng Mén” (Civilization Gate) on the lintel. The entire structure has soaring upturned eaves, graceful curves, an elegant and unpretentious style, and embodies the folk architectural character of southern Sichuan. In front of the tower lies a six-tiered stone wharf with 62 steps, which enhances the tower’s majestic and imposing presence. The site has been featured in several films and TV dramas, including “Heroes of the Marshes,” “Heroes Emerge from Youth,” “Nine Strands of Hair,” and “Youth-.”