South Gate - Lize Gate Introduction
Nanmén, also known as Lìzhèngmen, was completed in 1884 (the 10th year of the Guangxu era) and served as the main gate of the Taipei city during the Qing Dynasty. Its design and dimensions are the most magnificent among the various city gates, with the stone material sourced from the Dazhi area. The workmanship is meticulous and has stood the test of time. The stone plaque is surrounded by dragon patterns, which is different from other city gates. In the early days of Japanese rule, the Japanese destroyed the walls and structures of Taipei City, but Nanmén was fortunate to be preserved, although it gradually deteriorated due to neglect. After the Nationalist government moved to Taiwan, they renovated the old city gates, and Nanmén was refurbished into a northern Chinese palace-style gate tower, losing much of its original appearance, though the stone base and round archway were fortunately maintained. Nanmén is located at the intersection of Gongyuan Road, Nanchang Street, and Aiguo West Road, adjacent to the historic Tobacco and Wine Monopoly Bureau building, a designated first-class historic site, and the heavily guarded Presidential Residence, where plainclothes officers and police are stationed every few steps, making pedestrians feel compelled to pass by quickly, which is a pity. Next time you pass by, consider stopping to carefully admire this gate that once bore the heavy responsibility of guarding Taipei.
