Zhuqian City Yingxi Gate (East Gate) Introduction
The Yingxi Gate of Zhuqian City is located in the East District of Hsinchu City. Zhuqian City (formerly known as Hsinchu) was the first stone brick city in northern Taiwan and once served as the political and economic center north of the Dajia River. It was established in 1733 by Hsinchu's prefect Xu Zhimin, who planted bamboo around the city. In 1829, the brick city was completed, with the Yingxi Gate (East City Gate) to the east, Yishuang Gate to the west, Gexun Gate to the south, and Gongchen Gate to the north. Following the implementation of urban street plans during the Japanese occupation, the city walls and towers were demolished in 1902, leaving only the East City Gate (Yingxi Gate), which has been designated as a national historic site. The semi-circular archway is constructed from Quanzhou white stone, and the heavily-eaved, hip-and-gable style tower together with the moat protects Zhuqian City. In 1999, the Yingxi Gate (East City Gate) Square was renovated into a public square with the financial support of the Cultural Heritage Administration, and the Yingxi Gate (East City Gate) was named the Heart of Hsinchu, becoming a spiritual bastion for the people of Hsinchu City. The suspension bridge is approximately 8.3 meters long and 1.6 meters wide, visible at the corresponding bridge heads on both sides of Xinyi Road. Due to the location of Yingxi Gate (East City Gate) within a circular area, the government designed the Yingxi Gate (East City Gate) Square to bring the public closer to it. The long, rectangular square utilizes steps to guide the public and connects the sidewalks on both sides of the moat with the urban grid. The glass pavement embedded with neon lights enhances the charm of the Yingxi Gate (East City Gate) Square at night, while the oval-shaped city walking path provides a space for residents to stroll, connecting the Yingxi Gate (East City Gate) Square with the pedestrian underpass of the moat, allowing you to appreciate the Yingxi Gate (East City Gate) from various angles.
