First Pass Under Heaven
Built in 1381, the First Pass Under Heaven is a magnificent gate on the Great Wall that supports a Ming dynasty (1368-1644) tower. Its name is inscribed in red above the gate's archway in calligraphy that is attributed to Ming dynasty scholar Xiao Xian. Today, the tower is a museum showcasing weaponry, armor and traditional costumes.
The gate was once the northern most entrance to China and guarded the nation from the barbarians (the rest of the world). The structure has a wooden drawbridge over a moat 18 meters (59ft) wide as well as 3 outer walls for greater protection.
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