Night Tour of Luoyang's Premier Gate: Yingtian Gate of the Sui and Tang Dynasties

Yingtian Gate in Luoyang is a highly symbolic main gate of the imperial palace city in Chinese history, known as the "First Gate of the Sui and Tang Dynasties." Its architectural style profoundly influenced the construction of palace gates in later dynasties. Yingtian Gate was originally built during the Sui Dynasty (605 AD) and served as the south main gate of the Luoyang palace gate—Ziwei City—during the Sui and Tang periods. It was located on the central axis of the capital city at that time. Yingtian Gate was used continuously through the Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, and Northern Song periods for over 500 years until it was burned down by the Jin army in the second year of the Southern Song Dynasty (1128). Yingtian Gate was not only a symbol of imperial power but also the core venue for grand state ceremonies, with main uses including: 1️⃣ Grand court ceremonies, where the emperor held national celebrations such as enthronement, era name changes, general amnesties, and banquets. 2️⃣ Diplomatic receptions, where foreign envoys to the Sui and Tang courts were received, showcasing the prosperous scene of nations paying tribute. 3️⃣ Important historical witness, having witnessed many major events such as Wu Zetian's enthronement and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang receiving the eighth Japanese envoy to the Tang court. The current Yingtian Gate is a Tang-style reconstruction based on archaeological remains and has become a new cultural landmark and popular check-in spot in Luoyang. It not only allows visitors to directly experience the royal grandeur of the Sui and Tang periods but also offers a nighttime light show and 3D projections that transport people back to the flourishing era of nations paying tribute, providing a magnificent feast for the senses!