Deshengmen Tower Gate at the end of the Qing Dynasty. This watch
tower was on the west side of the north wall of the Inner City.
Whenever troops left for war, they marched out of this gate.
Once a custom is established, it becomes a ritual to ensure good
fortune. The troops always used the next gate, Andingmen, to
return to Beijing. Last update: May 2011 © Marilyn Shea, 2011