The imposing structure before you is Erxi Gate. A silent sentinel it has witnessed centuries of Tsinghua University history. It’s more than just a gate. Erxi Gate is a legacy a testament to resilience and rebirth.
Originally built between 1909 and 1911 Erxi Gate served as the first gate of Tsinghua College. This was the very first gate of the college. It stood proudly within the grounds of the imperial garden. The garden was known as the Qinghua Yuan. The gate was designed by a skilled American engineer. He was part of the initial group that built the Tsinghua campus. This beautiful gate was constructed from white marble and granite. The central archway proudly displays the inscription “Qinghua Yuan” in elegant calligraphy. This elegant script was created by renowned calligrapher Zhao Ji.
Sadly during the Cultural Revolution in 1966 Erxi Gate suffered a brutal fate. Red Guards demolished it. They saw it as a symbol of old China. In its place a Mao Zedong statue was erected. This statue stood as a symbol of the new communist China. The original gate was considered a “feudal relic”. It was destroyed as part of the revolution.
This act of destruction symbolized a painful chapter in Tsinghua’s history. A significant loss for the university. However the spirit of Erxi Gate lived on. In 1987 the Mao Zedong statue was removed. The way was cleared for the gate’s restoration. In 1991 through the generous donations of over 5000 alumni Erxi Gate was rebuilt. It was reconstructed to reflect its former glory. The rebuilt gate stands taller than its predecessor. It is a testament to the enduring strength of the Tsinghua community. It is also a symbol of their commitment to preserving their history.
Today Erxi Gate remains a cherished landmark. It’s a constant reminder of Tsinghua’s past. Students faculty and visitors alike pause to admire its elegant architecture. They reflect on the rich history it embodies. The gate is a powerful symbol. It represents the university’s spirit of perseverance and its enduring legacy. Feel the weight of history. Let the stone whisper stories of the past. The gate stands as a lasting tribute to Tsinghua’s storied past. A symbol of hope and renewal.