South Gate

The South Gate, known as Yongning Gate, defines itself through a sophisticated, three-layered military design that remains the most complete defensive complex among the city’s eighteen gates. You can identify it by the sequence of its fortifications: a drawbridge once crossing a deep moat, followed by an arrow-shooting tower, an enclosed barbican, and finally the towering main gate structure. These layers forced approaching forces into a confined, controlled space rather than a direct path into the city.