The Tower is China's only and biggest corner tower within city walls. Built in 1436 during the Ming Dynasty, it is located on the rectangular platform jutting out from the exterior of the city wall with 30 meters in height.

The tower is built from the corner of the exterior city platform and has a curved-ruler shape. It is filled with tiled walls on all four sides and its roof rests on the mountain top. Its two ridges intersect at the corner. It has grey arched tiles and green sides. Green glaze line the ridges and decorate the beast's head. It has 144 openings for shooting arrows and is an ancient military defense facility. It gets its name from its location at the southeastern corner of the inner Beijing city. 

The "Chongwen District Historical Relics" Exhibition displays the political, economic and cultural development within Chongwen District through rich historical materials, which revitalizes the rich cultural heritages in Chongwen District. In the internationally renowned and influential 'Hongmen Art Gallery", you could enjoy the modernist artworks and sculptures by many young artists from different schools. 

Further Information:

Address: Inside Beijing Ming City Walls Relics Park

Bus Route: Take Buses Special 2, 39, 39-branch, 41-branch, 43, 44, 54, 63, 713, 820 to Dongbianmen Stop

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00  (ticket sales stop at 16:30)

Admission Fee:  10 Yuan  (Adult), 5 Yuan  (Student)

Tel: 8610-65226008

(China.org.cn August 25, 2005)