Xinbei Shizhuang Dongzhamen Introduction
The East Guard Gate of Xinyin Village, also known as Huai Zhong Gate, is located in Fengtian Village, Neipu Township, and is now listed as a national third-level historic site. During the Qing Dynasty, many Hakka immigrants from Guangdong came to the Pingtung area to cultivate the land. Being outsiders, they often encountered conflicts with other ethnic groups such as the Holo people and indigenous peoples. In order to avoid disturbances and demarcate boundaries with other villages, four guard gates were built around Xinyin Village for defense purposes. However, after several centuries of changes, only the East Guard Gate remains today. Its existence has become a tribute to the ancestors for the people of Xinyin Village. The East Guard Gate is primarily constructed from stone and earth, standing approximately 7 meters tall, 6.5 meters wide, and 1.2 meters thick, covering an area of about 6 pings. Brick walls are built on both sides of the gate for structural support, and there are mortise holes for the gate panels on the inner side of the gate. The roof features a horizontal saddle design, adorned with red tiles. In front of the East Guard Gate, on the side wall of a residential building, there remains a restored commemorative stone tablet made of granite from the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. Although the inscription is worn and faded, it is considered a valuable artifact. At the center of the gate's lintel hangs a plaque reading "Huai Zhong," flanked by symmetrical circular gun emblems. The origin of this plaque is historically significant; during the 60th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, the "Zhu Yigui Incident" occurred, which disturbed the lives of the local populace. As a result, the villagers of Xinyin organized volunteer soldiers to defend their homeland. After the event concluded, the Qing Dynasty awarded the Hakka people the title of "Huai Zhong," thus the East Guard Gate is also referred to as the "Huai Zhong Gate."
