Nanmen_Lizheng Gate Introduction
Nanmeng, also known as Lize Gate, was completed in 1884 (the 10th year of the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty) and served as the main gate of the Taipei City during its time, making it the most magnificent among the city gates in terms of design and dimensions. The stones used were sourced from the Dazhi area, crafted meticulously and have endured the test of time. The stone facade is uniquely adorned with a pattern of dragon motifs, distinguishing it from other gates. In the early Japanese colonial period, the Japanese destroyed the city walls and structures of Taipei City, while Nanmeng was fortunate to be preserved, albeit gradually deteriorating due to lack of maintenance. After the Nationalist government moved to Taiwan, the government renovated the old city gate, transforming Nanmeng into a city tower building styled after northern Chinese palatial architecture, which significantly altered its original appearance. However, the stone base and the round archway remained intact. Nanmeng is located at the intersection of Gongyuan Road, Nanchang Street, and Aiguo West Road, next to the historical building of the Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation, a designated first-class historic site, and the heavily secured Presidential Residence, where plainclothes officers and police keep a constant watch, making passersby feel compelled to hurry past, which is quite regrettable. The next time you pass by, take a moment to stop and admire this monumental gate that once bore the heavy responsibility of safeguarding Taipei.
