This immense red structure no longer leads anywhere, but serves as a gateway to the past. Built in the 14th century, Chaoyang originally guarded the entrance to the east gate of Old Jianshui city. Because its location was close to the border, Jianshui was of vital strategic importance to the ancient Chinese dynasties, and was heavily fortified as a result. After centuries of upheaval and natural disasters, Chaoyang is the only gate from ancient times to survive till the present day. With a name that literally means ‘facing the sun,’ it has come to symbolize the heritage of Old Jianshui. Today it is located in the middle of the city itself, where it towers over the rest of the low-lying cityscape and rapidly modernizing area. There’s no way you can miss it: 25 metres high and 27 metres long, its huge red wall is topped by a large three-storey tower with a pagoda-like structure. It bears a striking resemblance to the architecture in Tiananmen and the Forbidden Palace, reminding one of China’s remarkable historic coherence. A visit to this gate is something that you will absolutely not want to miss when in Jianshui.