Maga Castle Gate (Chaoyang Gate) Introduction
Ahou, the former name of Pingtung City, was established in 1836 (the 16th year of the Daoguang era during the Qing Dynasty). Due to concerns from local gentry about potential disturbances from indigenous bandits that could jeopardize the safety of the city's residents, they privately raised funds to construct Ahou City. Consequently, Ahou City was not under official government jurisdiction, which is why there are no related records in the Fengshan County annals, though it is briefly mentioned on the city gate's inscription. Ahou City originally had four complete gates: east, south, west, and north. However, due to neglect and road repairs during the Japanese colonial period, most of the city walls were demolished, leaving only the east gate opening, known today as Chaoyang Gate, located next to Zhongshan Park, which has been designated as a national third-level historical site. The Chaoyang Gate is approximately 3.6 meters high, with the upper half of the gate tower built with brick, featuring a protruding design; the lower half of the gate opening consists of a symmetrical brick arch, flanked by walls constructed with cobblestones. The main gate's inscription is made of granite, bearing the words "Chaoyang Gate." The gate tower features 17 battlements made of red bricks, which are believed to have been added in the 65th year of the Republic of China. The gateway opening is divided into three sections: the front and back sections are constructed in an arched shape with long bricks, leaving a rectangular space in the middle. The wall surfaces of the city gate are stacked with basalt granite, while the corner sections are treated with clean water bricks, and the central part features a round arch made of red bricks. The arch is divided into three different sizes, with the side walls also featuring mortise holes for inserting door bolts. Although the Ahou City gate now stands as a solitary gate, its former grandeur is no longer visible. However, from the observable architectural structure, with its mottled red bricks and overgrown edges, it indeed contrasts with the modern park landscape next door, revealing a strong sense of antiquity.
