Qingchun Gate, also known as the ancient eastern city gate of Hangzhou, was first constructed in the 28th year of the Shaoxing era during the Southern Song Dynasty. It is one of the ten major ancient city gates of Hangzhou and has also been referred to as ‘Taiping Gate’ and ‘Vegetable Market Gate’.
A local Hangzhou folk song, ‘Fertilizer Poles Outside Taiping Gate’, originated from this area, as it was once the main vegetable supply area of old Hangzhou. The local custom of ‘Welcoming Spring in the Eastern Suburbs’ also depicts the scene of Qingchun Gate welcoming the spring with an ox.
Additionally, this location is associated with several legendary stories and famous poetry. The current Qingchun Gate was reconstructed in 2006, modeled after the ancient city wall of Hangzhou, with the hollow part in the middle serving as the Hangzhou Ancient City Wall Exhibition Hall. It is open all year round, with full-day access.
