The gate was built between 1366 and 1386. Huge bricks were used in the construction making the gate almost indestructible to 14th century weaponry. The gate contains four different archways and three courtyards between them. There were also 27 caves built into the fortified ramparts and archways where the gate's garrison could seek cover during a bombardment. In all the gate is 128m in depth and 118.5m in length.
Today it is possible to visit the gate for Y10. Inside one of the caves is a small museum detailing the history of the city walls. Along the ramps up to the ramparts are life size mannequins dressed in period uniforms. From the ramparts themselves are good views of Nanjing.

