The Ming Palace Ruins lie scattered around peaceful but maudlin Wǔcháomén Park . Built by Zhu Yuanzhang, the imperial palace was reportedly a magnificent structure and template for Běijīng's Forbidden City. Clamber atop ruined Meridian Gate (Wǔ Mén ), which once had huge walls jutting out at right angles from the main structure, along with watchtowers. Today the park is filled with locals practising ballroom dancing while saxophonists and other musicians gather in the resonant tunnels beneath the gate.
The ruins lend their name to the nearby metro station (Minggugong).
