Let the right one in, Beijing’s city gates: portal to the past(2)

Xuanwumen (1285-1965)

This is a gate with a very different history and feel. From the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) until the end of the Qing Dynasty, those who received capital punishment were often taken across the gate to Caishikou, where the execution ground was located. On Xuanwumen there used to be a poster saying "Too late to regret!" to those condemned criminals.

Fuchengmen (1285-1965)

To the west of Fuchengmen is Mentougou, the coal-producing region, so this gate was defined by coal. Old Beijingers might still remember how coal was transported from here to the fireplaces of most families in town.

Xizhimen (1267-1969)

In the past, this area that most people now associate with traffic jams was used mainly for transporting water instead of vehicles from Yuquan Mountain. Since the water from the wells in town was not fancy enough for emperors, the water from Yuquan Mountain in the northwest was the ideal alternative and Xizhimen was on route.