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| Under normal circumstances the gates would open before dawn and close at dusk to allow free access to the farms and villages beyond the city and to the neighborhoods that spilled over into the suburbs of the city. Only in times of threat were the gates closed during the day. Gates were closed at night as protection against robbery and other crimes. Within the city, houses were built within enclosing walls creating a courtyard. The gates to the courtyard were also closed at night. |
http://hua.umf.maine.edu/China/xian2.html
Last
update: March 2010
© Marilyn Shea, 2010