Guangji Gate in Chaozhou

Guangji Gate (广济门), originally called Guangji Tower (广济楼) and also known as Hanjiang Tower (韩江楼), is a famous historical structure in Chaozhou (潮州), Guangdong Province (广东省). It is a key symbol of Chaozhou and is often referred to by locals as the “East Gate Tower” (东门楼). Guangji Gate was the most imposing of the seven gates of Chaozhou’s ancient city, and it holds significant cultural and historical value, both as a landmark and as a critical part of the city’s fortifications.

The gate was initially constructed during the Hongwu period (洪武三年, 1370) of the Ming Dynasty (明代). Throughout its long history, it has undergone several repairs and renovations. In the 20th year of the Republic of China (1931), the gate was rebuilt. Guangji Gate has been recognized not only for its architectural grandeur but also for its symbolic importance in Chaozhou’s urban development.

Structure

Guangji Gate is a palace-style, three-story building with a traditional hip-and-gable roof (歇山顶). The structure rests on a massive, solid platform, and the original city gate featured the inscription “Dong Wei Wan Chun” (东为万春), symbolizing eternal prosperity. The tower is a remarkable combination of wood and stone, demonstrating the construction techniques of the time.

Key Features:

  • Size and Layout: The building spans seven bays in width and five bays in depth. The structure extends beyond the city wall to form a covered colonnade (骑楼). This design allows for maximum defense and scenic observation while creating a sense of openness.

  • Roof and Decoration: The roof is covered with double-layered gray tiles (大青瓦), and the eaves on each floor are adorned with blue-glazed tiles (蓝琉璃) and intricately designed rainwater spouts. The structure’s corners and windows are beautifully decorated with carved wood and painted details, emphasizing the gate’s aesthetic and architectural elegance.

  • Windows and Doors: The building is surrounded by windows on all four sides, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The windows are designed in the form of lattice screens, and the doors are intricately carved with traditional patterns.

  • Symbolism: The grandeur and height of the building symbolize the city’s strength and the security it provided. From the top of the gate, visitors can see the winding Han River (韩江) and the long bridge stretching across it, adding to the poetic beauty of the scene.

Scenic Views:

From the tower, one can gaze upon the Han River flowing northward, the long bridge arching over it, and the surrounding hills. In the summer and autumn months, the river’s water level rises, and boats can be seen gliding along the water. Occasionally, waves crash against the pillars of the tower, creating a dynamic and picturesque scene.

The view from Guangji Gate inspired the famous couplet inside the tower: “Ten thousand peaks stand before the door, and a river reaches the sky” (万峰当户立，一水接天来). This couplet perfectly encapsulates the majesty of the surrounding landscape.

In the spring, particularly around late March, the scenery from the tower becomes even more captivating as the river swells, the horizon is shrouded in mist, and the distant mountains fade into the fog. This stunning view has earned the tower a place in Chaozhou’s “Eight Scenic Views” (潮州内八景), specifically the scenic spot known as “East Tower Watching the Tide” (东楼观潮).

Restoration and Preservation

The restoration of Guangji Gate aimed to preserve the original design and structure of the gate, as well as to restore the architectural elements that were damaged or altered during previous renovations. The most recent restoration, based on blueprints from the Qing Dynasty’s “Map of Chaozhou Ancient City” (潮州古城图), involved the following key steps:

Restoration Design:

  • Reconstruction of Historical Elements: The gate was reconstructed following its original palace-style, three-story structure, with a hip-and-gable roof. The design sought to restore the Ming Dynasty stone and wooden components that had been worn down over centuries. Cement materials, which were used in previous repairs, were replaced with traditional materials to maintain the authenticity of the structure.

  • Column and Roof Restoration: The cement load-bearing columns on the second floor were replaced with stone pillars, and the original wooden pillars were restored on the third and fourth floors. The roof and eaves were restored to their original appearance, with the intricate details of the tile ridges and carvings painstakingly replicated.

  • Preserving Historical Elements: Many original components that were salvaged during the restoration, such as beams, windows, and doors, were carefully preserved and reused. This approach ensured that the historical integrity of the gate was maintained while also allowing for modern preservation techniques.

  • Cultural Enhancements: During the restoration process, the structure was not only repaired but also enhanced with cultural elements. The restoration team used high-quality tung oil from Guangxi (广西) for the wooden structure, and the interior was painted by skilled artisans from Chaozhou, who applied traditional techniques such as gilding. This added another layer of cultural richness to the gate.

  • Increased Height: After restoration, the tower now stands at 24.43 meters, which is 2.4 meters higher than its original height. This increase was made to ensure structural stability and to provide better scenic views.

Cultural Significance

The restoration of Guangji Gate not only revived its physical structure but also highlighted its cultural importance. It serves as a reminder of Chaozhou’s rich history, architecture, and artistic traditions. The tower is more than just a historical building; it symbolizes Chaozhou’s commitment to preserving its heritage while adapting to modern times. The gate’s strategic location on the Han River further enhances its role as a cultural icon.

As part of the broader initiative to protect and promote Chaozhou’s ancient city, the restoration of Guangji Gate has become a key element in the city’s cultural revival. The tower now serves as both a tourist destination and a symbol of Chaozhou’s historical and cultural pride.

Location

Guangji Gate is located at Dongmen Street (东门街), Xiangqiao District (湘桥区), Chaozhou City (潮州市), Guangdong Province (广东省), China. Its location along the Han River provides visitors with a chance to experience both the historic architecture and the beautiful surrounding natural landscape.

Visiting Information:

  • Address: Dongmen Street, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou, Guangdong, China.
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (visiting hours may vary, so check ahead before planning your visit).
  • Entry Fee: There may be an entry fee for tourists wishing to enter the tower, though it is often free for local residents.

Guangji Gate is not just a monument to Chaozhou’s past but also a dynamic cultural site that continues to draw visitors, historians, and architectural enthusiasts from around the world. It stands as a testament to Chaozhou’s enduring heritage and its commitment to preserving the beauty and spirit of ancient China.