South Gate Tower

　　Guide The South Gate (Nanxun Gate) is one of the six ancient city gates of Yinchuan and is the only well-preserved gate tower remaining to this day. It is commonly referred to by locals as the "South Gate Tower." Located at the intersection of Nanxun Road and Zhongshan South Street in Yinchuan's old town, the gate faces south with a spacious square in front, often used as a venue for major celebrations in Yinchuan. The gate tower stands 27.5 meters tall. Its brick-faced base is 7 meters high, 88 meters long, and 24.5 meters wide. At the center of the base is a north-south arched gateway. On both sides of the northern gateway, there are symmetrical staircases leading up to the top. At the center of the grand platform sits a two-story pavilion with a hip-and-gable roof and double eaves, rising 20.5 meters high. The entire structure features rigorous architectural design, colorful painted eaves, red walls, and blue tiles, exuding a majestic aura, and has long been nicknamed the "Little Tiananmen."

　　The exact year of the South Gate’s construction is unknown. Legend has it that in 1020, Li Deming, leader of the Tangut people of the Western Xia Dynasty, moved the capital from Lingzhou (Lingwu) to Huaiyuan (Yinchuan), where he built grand palaces and expanded the city walls, constructing the gate around that time. During the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, when Ningxia Guard City was rebuilt, records mention “the southern gate called Nanxun, with the Nanxun City Tower built atop it.” In the third year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1739), a massive earthquake destroyed much of the city, including the gate. It was rebuilt in the fifth year of Qianlong, giving rise to the scenic view known as "Autumn Scenery at the South Tower." In the third year of the Xuantong reign (1911), the South Gate was destroyed in warfare. It was repaired again in the early years of the Republic of China.

　　In 1953, the People's Government demolished the sections of the city wall on the east and west sides of the South Gate, opening up the South Gate Square. In 1979, viewing stands were built on both sides of the gate tower, with flowers and trees planted to the north and south. After multiple renovations, the South Gate Tower, set against the backdrop of modern architecture, appears even more grand and imposing. It was designated as a Yinchuan Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1985.

　　Admission

　　Free

　　Opening Hours

　　All day

　　Location

　　Nanxun Road, Xixia District, Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region