Foreigners in Taiwan - 外國人在臺灣
  • Home 首頁
  • Blog 部落格
  • Taiwan FAQ 常見問題
  • Blog Index 部落格指南
  • Maps 地圖
  • About 關於我們
  • Contact Us 聯絡我們
  • Privacy 隱私
  • Home 首頁
  • Blog 部落格
  • Taiwan FAQ 常見問題
  • Blog Index 部落格指南
  • Maps 地圖
  • About 關於我們
  • Contact Us 聯絡我們
  • Privacy 隱私

Blog Posts

Hengchun Old City Walls 恆春古城

9/17/2021

2 Comments

 
Share

Tweet
Picture
Hengchun's old walled city is the best preserved walled city in Taiwan, with all the city gates intact, as well as most of the city wall. The city was built to help contain the native population after the Rover and Mudan incidents. It is definitely a well preserved historical area and worth a trip if you go to Kenting. 

Historical Background:
Originally the area around Hengchun was goverened by the Qing dynasty under Fengshan County. However after the Rover Incident and Mudan Incident (in which Taiwan indigenous tribes massacred foreign shipwrecked sailors), the Qing decided to take a more assertive role in governing the area and controlling the native populations. 
The walls of Hengchun were built as a brick wall and four gates in 1879, and after it was built Hengchun County was established, meaning eternal spring, due to the tropical climate in the area. 
After the Japanese took Taiwan, some of the walls were torn down to make roads. There was also a railway made that went through the south city gate. Many of the city gates lasted until well into the 1900s, but because they were made of wood they rotted and collapsed easily. 
Now the gates have been mostly restored, and much of the northern and eastern walls remain. 

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free
​
Map:
Please see the existing city gates marked with red castle icons below:

Our Journey:

I have been to Hengchun many times and I am always impressed by the well preserved historical walls and gates in this town. This is truly the best preserved fort town in Taiwan and for anyone interested in history, I highly recommend visiting. 

West Gate 西門
Picture
The first gate I will show you is the west gate, which is my favorite gate because so much traffic still passes through it. 
Picture
There is also a big stretch of wall still attached to it. 
Picture
Picture
View of the west city gate at night.
Picture
Small diorama of Hengchun City. 

​
Hengchun Old Street 恆春老街
Picture
Hengchun old street is the street that passes through the west gate. You can say that every street in the city is old, but this one is especially named the old street, probably because it has the most shops on it. 
Picture
A small temple at the foot of Shipao Park in front of the gate. 
Picture
Scooter and cars passing through the west gate. 
Picture
"West Gate"
"The west gate tower was torn down in the year of the Taisho Era, (1914) during Japanese colonial period (early 1900), only the battlements on the caste and the gate were left intact, This area was the central business distract in the former Hengchun ancient town. At the south side of the gate, the imitational stone tablet at the south of the gate was proclaimed in the 2nd year in the reign of Qing Emperor Kuang Hsu (1876 AD), and mainly described the decree and penalty that prohibit committing suicide and accusing someone else wrongly for the suicide."
Picture
View looking north. 
Picture
You can walk along the intact wall to the east. 
Picture
Another view of the inact wall to the west. 
Picture
View looking down the old street to the south. 
Picture
Another stone slab explaining the history. 
Picture
3D map of Hengchun. 
See above for more photos of the old street, west gate, and Shipai Park.
Picture
Eroding wall near the west gate. 
Picture
Another view of the eroding wall. 
Picture
Well preserved wall looking east. 
Picture
Not so well preserved wall to the west.

Monkey Hole Mountain Stone Tablet 猴洞山石牌
Picture
Monkey hole mountain is a small coral hill in Hengchun. It is known as one of the "eight scenes" of Hengchun. It is so named because in historical times it was home to a pack of monkeys. The rocks were incorporated into the city to improve Fengshui. 
Picture
There are actually a few stone tablets here, and this is just one of them. 
Picture
Picture
One of the stone tablets at night.
Picture
View from the top of the hill over Shipai Park. 
Picture
There is a trail the goes along the top of the hill through the coral rocks. 
Picture
Another stone tablet commemorating the preparation of armaments at the city. 

East Gate 東門
Picture
The next gate on the list is the East Gate. 
Picture
View of the East Gate at night.
Picture
The nearby walls are also lit up at night.
Picture
Sorry for the lense blur. This is the main road that passes right next to the east gate. 
Picture
"East Gate"
"The East Gate was the main road to Manchou Township. The East Gate wall is 500 meters, and is the only one still intact. The other battlements and emplacement around this gate are also kept well. All of the towers and upper passages in the gates except the southern gate are open to pedestrians. While walking in the upper passages on the castle, you can overlook nearby scenery."

Picture
View of the east gate from the other side. 
Picture
View inside the gate. 
Picture
View from the top of the gate looking east. 
Picture
View to the south. 
Picture
View to the north. 
Picture
Another view to the east. 
Picture
View looking west toward downtown. 
Picture
Wooden beam inside. 
Picture
Old hole for a door beam.

"International Pole Climbing (chiang Ku) Pavilion 國際搶孤棚"
Picture
Next to the east gate is the “International Pole Climbing (chiang Ku) Pavilion." Like in Mulan, every year people come to have races to see who can climb the poles the fastest. 
See more photos of the pole clibming place above. 
Picture
Army tank in front of the north gate. 

North Gate 北門
Picture
There is a road that goes through the north gate, but it does not get as much traffic as the west gate. 
Picture
View of the north gate at night.
Picture
Closer view. 
Picture
Bus stop and map of Hengchun. 
Picture
Stone stairway to the top. 
Picture
View looking east. 
Picture
View to the west. 
Picture
View from a gun hole. 
Picture
The wall going to the west is also well preserved. 
Picture
View to the south.
Picture
View of the walls near the north gate at night.

South Gate 南門 (Mingdu Gate 明都門)
Picture

The gate at the very south is known as the South Gate or Mingdu Gate. It is in the middle of a roundabout and is the only city gate in Hengchun that is not connected to a city wall. 
Picture
View of the south gate at night. 
Picture
“Restoration Description for Monument - The South Gate Tower of Hengchun Ancient Town"
"Hengchun ancient town was built in the later Qing Dynasty in 1875. According to the Journal of Hengchun county," the land bears a circumference of 8800 feet (2933 M) around. The actual proportion of the ancient town building is 8359 feet, 5 inches (2787 M) with the base thickness of 20 feet (6.7 M) thje base depth if 3 feet 5 inches (about 1.13 M)m the interior height 13 feet 4 inches (4.5 M), and the wall thickness is 16 feet (5.33 meters). There are four gate towers around the four sides, which the south gate tower is called "Ming-tu Gate," while the others are named after its direction. The base of each gate tower is 69 feet (about 23 meters) in width and 17 feet (5.7 M) in height. The openings both inside and outside the tower. The inner portion of the gate openings is 13 feet (4.3 M) both in height and width, and 22 feet in depth (7.3 M) while the external portion, both the height and width is 11 feet (3.7 M) and the depth is 8 feet, 6 inches (2.86 M).
Picture
"South Gate"
"It's also known as the "Ming-Du Gate," the South Gate has been the main passage from Hengchun ancient town to Nanwan and Kenting scenic areas. During Japanese colonial era, there was a railway going through the gate, which runs the freight wagons from Nanwan and Hengchun and we could imagine how busy it was during the flourishing times with cargos and workforces."
Picture
View of the front of the gate. 
Picture
View underneath. 
Picture
View looking south. 
Picture
View of the woodwork on top. 
Picture
Stone and brickwork inside. 
Picture
Another view inside. 
Picture
The walls on either side were cut off to make way for the road. 
Picture
Extant part of the south wall visible here. 

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more of our blogs on Kenting to come. 
Share
2 Comments
Jessi Millwood
10/10/2021 12:22:57 am

Natural Herbal Medicine To Cure {HERPES DISEASE} TOTALLY HERE 
Do you need a solution to cure your Herpes Disease contact Chief Dr Lucky to help and he will surely help you to cure your Herpes Virus .. I have suffered from Herpes-2 Virus for 4years ago that almost took my life. But one day I was searching the internet and I found Chief Dr Lucky saw so many testimonies on how Chief Dr Lucky helps people in curing their deadly diseases, and I contacted Chief Dr Lucky, asked him for solutions and he started the remedies for my health. He prepared herbal medicine for me and I received the herbal medicine and after using it for 2 weeks my condition has greatly improved, all my symptoms including Abdominal pain, Nausea and vomiting, Loss of appetite stopped, so I went to my doc and was confirmed negative. I am Herpes Virus free! contact the herbal doctor via his email> chiefdrlucky@gmail.com also visit his fb page> http://facebook.com/chiefdrlucky Website> Https://chiefdrluckyherbaltherapy.wordpress.com/ or his cell number / WhatsApp> +2348132777335

Reply
tom cam
11/20/2021 06:49:42 pm

My name is Tom cam!!! i am very grateful sharing this great testimonies with you all, The best thing that has ever happened in my life, is how i worn the Powerball lottery. I do believe that someday i will win the Powerball lottery. Finally my dreams came through when i contacted Dr. OSE and tell him i needed the lottery winning special numbers cause i have come a long way spending money on ticket just to make sure i win. But i never knew that winning was so easy with the help of Dr. OSE, until the day i meant the spell caster testimony online, which a lot of people has talked about that he is very powerful and has great powers in casting lottery spell, so i decided to give it a try. I emailed Dr. OSE and he did a spell and gave me the winning lottery special numbers 62, and co-incidentally I have be playing this same number for the past 23years without any winning, But believe me when I play the special number 62 this time and the draws were out i was the mega winner because the special 62 matched all five white-ball numbers as well as the Powerball, in the April 4 drawing to win the $70 million jackpot prize...… Dr. OSE, truly you are the best, with Dr. OSE you can will millions of money through lottery. i am a living testimony and so very happy i meant him, and i will forever be grateful to him...… you can Email him for your own winning special lottery numbers now oseremenspelltemple@gmail.com OR WHATSAPP him +2348136482342
www.facebook.com/Dr-odion-spell-temple-110513923938220

Reply



Leave a Reply.

     Author 作家

    We are US Expats that have extensive experience living, working, and travelling in Taiwan. In our day, we had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But we have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. ​Our blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. We are just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country.

    ​​我們是在台灣的外國人!我們透過額部落格想要幫助外國人了解台灣生活,旅遊,和商業的環境!我們不代表所有在台灣的外國人, 我們只是想要幫助世界各地的人了解台灣美好的一切! (美國人在管理)

    Archives 檔案

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014

    Categories
    ​類目

    All
    2006120221
    Aboriginal Culture 原住民文化
    Alishan-384633732423665
    Alishan-384633732423665
    Amusement Parks 娛樂園
    Aquariums 海洋館
    Art 藝術
    Basic Info 基本資訊
    Beaches 海灘
    Blogroll 部落格名單
    Bridges 橋梁
    Buddhism 佛教
    Buddhism 佛教
    Business 商業
    Business 商業
    Camping 露營
    Car Driving Test 考汽車駕照
    Car Rental 租氣車
    Caves 山洞
    Changhua 彰化
    Chiayi 嘉義
    Children Activities 小孩活動
    Chinese Film 中文電影
    Chinese Language 中文
    Chinese Language 中文
    Chinese Literature 中文文學
    Chinese Literature 中文文學
    Chinese Pollution 中國污染
    City Parks 都市公園
    Click Bait 點擊誘餌
    Coal Mining 煤礦
    Cycling 騎腳踏車
    Cycling 騎腳踏車
    Daily Life 日常生活
    Daoism 道教
    Driving In Taiwan 開車
    Drone Flying 飛空拍機
    East Taiwan 東部
    Ershui 二水
    Events 活動
    Festivals 節日
    Fish Foot Massage 溫泉魚
    Floral Sea 花海
    Food
    Food 食物
    Forts 堡壘
    Fruit 水果
    Geography 地理
    Geography 地理
    Geology 地質
    Golf 高爾夫球
    Green Energy 綠色能源
    Growing Bananas 種香蕉日記
    Guest Blog Posts 客人部落格
    Hakka Culture 客家文化
    Hiking
    Hiking 爬山
    Historical Buildings 歷史建築
    Historical Buildings 歷史建築
    Hot Springs 溫泉
    Hot Springs 溫泉
    Hsinchu 新竹
    Hualien 花蓮
    Immigration/Visa 移民/簽證
    Japanese Era 日治時期
    Jiaoxi 礁溪
    Jiaoxi 礁溪
    Kaohsiung 高雄
    Keelung 基隆
    Kenting 墾丁
    Kinmen 金門
    Lakes And Reservoirs 湖及水庫
    Lighthouses 燈塔
    Longdong 龍洞
    Lukang 鹿港
    Luodong Night Market 羅東夜市
    Maolin 茂林
    Matsu Islands 馬祖列島
    Miaoli 苗栗
    Migrant Workers 外籍勞動
    Monkeys 猴子
    Monkeys 猴子
    Mountain Biking 越野
    Mountain Biking 越野
    Museums 博物館
    Nangang 南港
    Nantou 南投
    National Forest Recreation Areas 國家森林游樂區
    National Palace Museum 故宮
    National Palace Museum 故宮
    National Parks 國家公園
    Natural Scenery 自然風景
    New Taipei 新北市
    Night Market 夜市
    Northern Coast 北海岸
    Not Taiwan 台灣以外的地方
    Nuclear Power 核能
    Nuclear Power 核能
    Offroading 越野
    Old City Gates 古城門
    Old Streets 老街
    Old Trails 古道
    Orchid Island (Lanyu 蘭嶼)
    Outer Islands 外島
    Pathos And Logos 情與理
    Penghu Islands 澎湖群島
    Pingtung 屏東
    Pingxi Railway 平息火車綫
    Politics 政治
    Politics 政治
    Railways 鐵路
    Recreational Farms 休閑農場
    River Tracing 朔溪
    Rock Climbing 攀岩
    Scooter Driving Test 考機車駕照
    Scooter Rental 租機車
    Scooter Rental 租機車
    Seafood Markets 海鮮市場
    Shiding 石碇
    Shilin Night Market 士林夜市
    Shilin Night Market 士林夜市
    Shopping 購物
    Sicao Green Tunnel 四草綠色隧道
    Smokestacks 烟囪
    Snorkeling 浮潛
    Snorkeling 浮潛
    Starting A Taiwan Business 創業
    Starting A Taiwan Business 創業
    Sun Moon Lake 日月潭
    Sun Moon Lake 日月潭
    Surfing 3490928010
    Taichung 臺中
    Tainan 3327421335
    Tainan-3327421335
    Taipei 101 101
    Taipei 101 2148821271 101
    Taipei-101-2148821271-101
    Taipei 2148821271
    Taipei-2148821271
    Taipei Zoo 台北動物園
    Taipei Zoo 台北動物園
    Taipei 臺北
    Taipei 臺北
    Taitung 臺東
    Taiwanese Spouse 台灣配偶
    Taiwan FAQ 臺灣常見問題
    Taiwan History 台灣的歷史
    Taiwan History 台灣的歷史
    Taiwan's Economy 台灣經濟
    Taiwan's Economy 台灣經濟
    Taiwan Temples 臺灣的廟
    Tamsui 淡水
    Taoyuan 桃園
    Taroko Gorge 太魯閣
    Tax 稅
    Top 10 前十名
    Top 10 前十名
    Top 5 前5名
    Transportation 交通
    Tsai Yingwen 蔡英文
    Turtle Island 龜山島
    Turtle Island 龜山島
    Typhoons 颱風
    Ultimate Guide 極限指南
    Urbex 城市探險
    Waterfalls 瀑布
    Weather 天氣
    White Terror 白色恐怖
    Wildlife 野生動物
    Women In Chinese Society 女士們在中國社會
    Working In Taiwan 在台灣工作
    Working In Taiwan 在台灣工作
    Wulai Hot Springs 烏來溫泉
    Xiaoliuqiu 小琉球
    Xitou 溪頭
    Xitou 溪頭
    Xizhi 汐止
    Yangmingshan 陽明山
    Yilan 宜蘭
    Yunlin 雲林
    Yushan (Jade Mt.) 玉山
    Zhongtaishan 中台山
    Zoos 動物園

    RSS Feed

Follow us on social media:


Follow @foreignersinTW