Ghost Gate. Is that a fitting name for such an important entrance? We are standing before the East Prosperity Gate, also known as Donghuamen. It is the eastern gate of Beijing’s Forbidden City.
Let’s delve into the history of this gate. Built in 1420 during the Ming dynasty, Donghuamen stands symmetrical to the West Prosperity Gate. Look closely at the dismount stone outside. It signifies that all officials had to dismount before entering, regardless of their rank.
Notice the three openings beneath the gate which served as entrances and exits. But here is a unique detail. Unlike other palace gates with ninety-nine rows of door nails, Donghuamen has only eight-nine rows. Originally the plaque under the eaves had Manchu, Mongolian, and Chinese characters. Later, it was reduced to Manchu and Chinese. After the 1911 revolution, only Chinese characters remained.
For tourists exiting the Forbidden City today, Donghuamen serves as one of the exits. Now let’s talk about the gate tower itself. From 1763, during Emperor Qianlong’s reign, it was used to store soldiers’ cotton armor for military parades. The armor was hung out every other year.
Emperor Qianlong also ordered 70 rooms by the moat outside Donghuamen to store rice and grain for the eunuchs. These warehouses were named “En Feng Cang,” meaning “kind giving and bumper harvest”.
During the early Qing dynasty, only cabinet officials could use this gate. Later, senior officials with high status were also permitted to pass through Donghuamen. This gate was also the designated entrance and exit for the crown prince, given its proximity to his palace.
But here’s where the name “Ghost Gate” comes in. The coffins of emperors, empresses, and empress dowagers were all carried out of the Forbidden City through Donghuamen.
The Chongzhen emperor of the Ming dynasty met a tragic end. In 1644, as rebels invaded Beijing, he tried to escape through Donghuamen. But all city gates were closed. In despair, he hanged himself on Jingshan Hill. Li Zicheng, the rebel leader, displayed Chongzhen’s body outside Donghuamen. This event solidified the gate’s ominous nickname.
Now a question arises. Why does Donghuamen have fewer door nails than other gates? Several theories exist. One suggests it was to mark the unlucky association with Emperor Chongzhen’s suicide. Another theory suggests the number was reduced to cope with the five-element theory to turn bad luck into good fortunes. A further explanation suggests that the number of door nails was less than other doors, because the crown prince is inferior to the emperor.
During Emperor Jiaqing’s reign, a peasant army attempted an uprising. They were led into the Forbidden City through Donghuamen by a eunuch. But a dispute exposed their hidden weapons. The guards closed the gate, foiling the uprising.
So, as we stand here, remember the East Prosperity Gate. Donghuamen is more than just an exit. It’s a passage through history, a silent witness to imperial power, tragedy, and rebellion.