Detailed Guide to Visiting Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower 📖 Plus Must-Visit Photo Spots

Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower - A Comprehensive Guide ✨ Today, I’m recommending a newly reopened historical site to visitors: the Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower! After being closed for over 30 years, it has reopened following Beijing’s Central Axis being successfully listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can now climb the tower to overlook Qianmen Street and catch a distant view of Yongdingmen. Additionally, there’s a special exhibition on the Central Axis, offering insights into its history and significance. Here’s a detailed guide for your visit 👇 Make sure to save it! 🎫 Ticket Reservation: Tickets can be reserved via the "Beijing Central Axis Heritage Protection Center" WeChat public account for visits within the next 7 days. 🎫 Tickets are released daily at 5:00 PM, and reservations must be made at least one day in advance. Each account can reserve tickets for up to 5 people per visit day, and each ID can only be used for one reservation per day. Don’t forget to bring your original ID and reservation confirmation. Note that liquids (including water and beverages) 🥤, food, power banks, selfie sticks, strollers, and other items are prohibited inside the tower. It’s recommended to travel light, but if necessary, you can store items at the entrance. 🕙 Opening Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM and closing at 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays (except public holidays). Temporary closures may occur due to regional control measures as per higher authorities’ requirements. 📸 Tour Route and Highlights: First Floor: Provides an overview of the landscapes included in the Central Axis, offering a preliminary understanding of Beijing’s Central Axis 🧐 Upon entering the hall, you’ll immediately feel the rich historical atmosphere. Second Floor: Explores the journey of the Central Axis becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the challenges and efforts involved. Through extensive visual materials and multimedia displays, you’ll feel as if you’re traveling through time to witness this significant historical process. Third Floor: Features precious items related to the Central Axis heritage, including artifacts and historical documents that reflect the cultural value and historical changes of the Central Axis. Highlights include exhibits like the Thousand-Pound Gate, a replica of Kangxi’s Southern Tour Painting (Return Procession), and a set of eight sacrificial vessels (replicas). These items offer a tangible connection to history. Fourth Floor: Focuses on traditional royal crafts of old Beijing, with a section dedicated to intangible cultural heritage. Here, you can experience the unique charm of traditional crafts and performing arts. Additionally, the windows on the third and fourth floors provide stunning views of the Central Axis, serving as natural photo frames 📷 From here, you can gaze at Qianmen Street bustling with activity and catch a glimpse of Yongdingmen in the distance. 🎁 Cultural and Creative Shopping: South Pavilion: Offers souvenirs like bookmarks, postcards, fridge magnets, and stamps commemorating the reopening of Zhengyangmen and the Central Axis’s UNESCO listing. These items make meaningful keepsakes. North Pavilion: Sells calendars, desk calendars, and Beijing Swallow plush toys, along with a special stamp for the Beijing Swallow. The adorable plush toys are unique and make great gifts. 🌟 Nearby Attractions: Zhengyangmen Gate Tower: Complementing the Arrow Tower, the Gate Tower forms a landmark of the Qianmen area. From the northern platform of the Arrow Tower, you can see the Gate Tower, though the best view is from the base of the Arrow Tower. Standing between the two towers, you can almost hear echoes of history. Zhengyang Bridge Ruins Pavilion: Located at the entrance of Qianmen Pedestrian Street, this spot offers a full view of the Arrow Tower and showcases authentic Ming Dynasty water beasts and drainage beasts, reflecting the passage of time. These ancient relics are a testament to history. Qianmen Street: Situated south of Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower, this famous commercial street in Beijing is home to renowned old brands like Quanjude, Bianyifang, Donglaishun, and Liubiju, as well as historic buildings like Ruifuxiang, Beijing Camera Factory, and the Chinese Hat Culture Museum. You can also enjoy various Beijing-style snacks and delicacies 🍜 Strolling along Qianmen Street, you’ll experience both the charm of old Beijing and the vibrancy of modern commerce. Dashilan: Adjacent to Qianmen Street, Dashilan is Beijing’s oldest and most unique ancient market and bustling commercial district. It features many famous old-brand stores and traditional handicraft shops. Here, you can find a variety of unique souvenirs and immerse yourself in the commercial culture of old Beijing. In summary, Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower is a must-visit destination for appreciating ancient architecture and delving into the historical and cultural significance of Beijing’s Central Axis. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a photography lover, this site is not to be missed! Plan your visit now! 💖