Hengchun Old Town Introduction
Hengchun Ancient City, designated as a national second-level historic site, is the most well-preserved city wall monument in Taiwan. The construction of the ancient city was initiated to defend against foreign invaders, approved by Qing Dynasty official Shen Baozhen. The site was chosen by Liu Zhaoxuan, who was skilled in surveying. Construction began in 1875 (the first year of the Guangxu era) and took five years to complete, giving it a history of over 130 years. The total length of the city wall is approximately 3,208 meters, with a thickness of about 6.6 meters. There are four city gates—East, South, West, and North—each with a bastion at its highest point, as well as city towers and ramparts. Portions of the city wall have been preserved, with only the four city gates maintaining a relatively intact appearance. Although the grandeur of Hengchun City Tower is no longer as it was, ascending the city gate today still evokes a sense of nostalgia. The East Gate is situated on the main route from Hengchun to Manzhou, with a decorated archway on the gate. Ancient artifacts including bastions and gun holes can be observed. During historical restoration, the city walls were reconstructed to reflect the original design, allowing for an understanding of how the four city gates were encircled by the city walls from the East Gate. The West Gate, with just the archway and crenellations remaining, is located on the bustling Zhongshan Road. Surrounded by buildings, the West Gate appears smaller; however, it was once a commercial area where the gate served as a frequently traversed route for locals and visitors. Today, it is even more densely populated and commercially vibrant, making the nearby alleys seem narrow and crowded. The South Gate retains its arched entrance, brick walls, and eaves-style arch, making it the best-preserved of the four gates. However, due to numerous renovations, it is also the least authentic. Visitors entering Hengchun from the Kenting area must pass through the South Gate, which has become a prominent feature of Hengchun's main roundabout. The North Gate, once the main entrance to Hengchun County, is situated on an important thoroughfare. A sloped pathway to the right of the gate allows visitors to access the walls, making it the only gate open for wall tours. The North Gate still bears the historic inscription established in the second year of the Guangxu era, marking it as Hengchun Ancient City’s sole stone tablet, though the original pavilion structure that once topped it is no longer visible. To re-establish the historical and cultural ambiance of Hengchun Ancient City as a vibrant arts and culture town to attract tourism, the Pingtung County Government has initiated the "Hengchun Ancient City Regeneration Project." This project integrates Hengchun’s cultural significance and natural resources, creating unique attractions like the Folk Song Forest, the Hengchun Story Museum, and the Floating City Wall. Additionally, four major tourism themes have been planned: Langjiao Boulevard and public office spaces, cinematic and tourism-themed alleyways, the natural performance space at Hongdong Mountain, and the recreational routes around the city walls. This initiative aims to generate interest, comfort, storytelling, and unique characteristics in tourism, allowing visitors to naturally fall in love with this century-old town.
