Hengchun Old City Gate Introduction
The Hengchun Old Town was built in the first year of the Guangxu era in the Qing Dynasty and completed in the fifth year. It is located in the center of the Hengchun Plain, surrounded by mountains such as San Tai Mountain, Huo Tou Mountain, Long Luan Mountain, and Xi Ping Mountain. The well-known geomancer Liu Ao was invited to select the site based on feng shui, with Hou Dong Mountain serving as the dragon vein. Four city gates were constructed to the east, west, south, and north, each equipped with a battery, surrounded by a moat, making it one of the few well-preserved ancient city gate structures in Taiwan. The construction of Hengchun has a history of over a hundred years, and Hengchun Old Town is an important national historic site in Taiwan. What are the remarkable features of the city gate structure? Many ancient city relics are preserved in various counties and cities, comprising basic structures like city walls, city gates, batteries, gate towers, moats, slow paths, and horse paths. Taking the east gate of Hengchun Old Town as an example: City Wall: The materials are made of "glutinous rice paste, cane syrup, and lime gray," constructed using the "rammed earth technique," which is the oldest building method. The horizontal lines visible on the surface of the current city wall are remnants from the ramming process at that time. City Gate: Hengchun has a total of four city gates, which are divided into city platforms. The upper part is the "gate tower," and the lower part is the "gate opening." The upper half of the city platform is made of bricks, while the lower half is built with gravel and mortar, with granite at the bottom. Gate Scroll: The size of the gate scrolls at the four city gates varies, constructed from basalt, each gate scroll adorned with a decorative frame. Battery: The protruding part of the city wall allows for cannons to be placed on top. There are four cannons on the battery, two facing forward and the other two tilted 45 degrees to the front, made of granite to withstand the recoil from the cannons. Moat: The moat, or protective river, primarily enhances defensive capabilities and provides soil for building the castle. Currently, the moat has been filled or has become a drainage ditch. Battlements: Referring to the protruding parts of the city wall, providing aesthetic shape while also serving a defensive function. There are small holes in the center to allow soldiers to use them for shooting cover, improving both attack and defense advantages. Slow Path: Also known as the "footpath," used for easy access to the city. Horse Path: The road on the city wall for patrolling guards. Parapet: Located on the outer city wall, functioning similarly to a railing.
South Gate of Hengchun Old Town
East Gate of Hengchun Old Town
