The East Gate Tower (Shengheng Gate) is one of four original city gates of Fenghuang Ancient Town, the only one fully restored and open to visitors, and the most recognisable landmark in the old town photographs. The tower sits at the river's edge, its stone base descending directly to the Tuo River, and a covered walkway along the wall from the gate provides views over the stilt houses extending upstream and the Hong Bridge further west.
The tower dates from the early Qing dynasty, built in the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1661-1722), and has been restored several times. The design is characteristic of Hunan defensive architecture: a substantial stone base with a wooden superstructure and curved-eave roof above. From the tower platform the view down the Tuo River, with the stilt houses rising from the water and the forested hills behind, is the quintessential Fenghuang image. Entry to the tower is included in the through-ticket covering the main ancient town sites (¥100-170).