Beijing is famous for its city walls, which were built to protect the emperor and people against northern invaders. Connecting these walls were massive gates and each had a special function. The gates were symbols of imperial feudal power and were knocked down in 1950s and today only three gates remain - Qianmen, Deshengmen's watchtower and Yongdingmen.
But the stories behind the gates can help visitors better understand Chinese culture and the history of an imperial city run on strict order and tradition.
