Behind the main gate are three courtyards. During an attack, enemy forces that breached the main gate could be trapped in these courtyards. The cavities in the walls concealed soldiers waiting to ambush.
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Another historic landmark, another bonsai garden.
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The entrance to Zhonghua Gate
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Four arched tunnels, each as long as 174 feet, run through the battlements.
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Imitation is the highest form of flattery? Nah, they're totally making fun of these guys.
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And this guy too.
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Owen with a Chinese dog.
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The boys walking up one of the wide ramps. There is one that runs up either side of the gate to the top of the city wall. These ramps allowed soldiers and horses quick access to the ramparts.
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The boys and me at the top of the gate with the Nanjing city wall behind us.
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Canons at the top of the gate.
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Another view of one of the ramps on the sides of the gate. Soldiers on horseback would ride up the side ramps instead of using the stairs in the middle.
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Walking through a portcullis
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