城阙
watchtower; palace tower
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
watchtower flanking a city gate
literaryRefers specifically to the fortified towers on either side of a traditional Chinese city gate. Primarily used in historical and literary contexts.
Looking from afar at Chang'an, the palace towers stand tall and majestic.
The city gate watchtowers were stern and heavily guarded with rows of soldiers.
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The term 'watchtower' already appears in the *Book of Songs*.
noun
palace tower; imperial residence
literaryRefers to the main towers or gateways of an imperial palace, symbolizing imperial power. Often used in classical poetry and texts.
What year is it tonight in the celestial palace towers? (Classical poetic line)
Ancient emperors resided within the palace towers.
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All the myriad chambers of the imperial palace have turned to dust. (Poetic line about dynastic change)