The Linhai Ancient City Wall (Jiangnan Great Wall)

The Linhai Ancient City Wall (Jiangnan Great Wall)

The Linhai Ancient City Wall (Jiangnan Great Wall) is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Taizhou Prefecture City Wall is square in layout, with a total perimeter of 6,287 meters. The western and southern sections along the river stretch 2,370 meters in length, with an average surviving height of 7 meters, a base width of 9 meters, and a top width of 4 meters. Four city gates, barbicans, and eight bastions have been preserved. The core structure of the wall dates back to the Song Dynasty, and the different eras of subsequent construction can be clearly distinguished based on the size of the bricks. Due to ongoing silt accumulation in the urban area, about 2.5 meters of the Song Dynasty wall now lies beneath the current ground level. A 1,615-meter section of the eastern wall was demolished in 1956. The northern wall, 2,300 meters long, was rebuilt in the 1990s on the original foundation. As the Ling River flows eastward past the southwestern outskirts of the city into the sea, and as tidal surges reach as far as 6 kilometers west of the city, flood prevention measures were given high priority during the wall's construction. For example, floodgates were installed outside the large wooden gates; the water-facing surfaces of the bastions were built with rounded or sloped contours to reduce the impact of the river’s flow; and the southwestern section of the wall was reinforced with outer retaining walls and inner protective barriers to enhance its flood resistance. The rammed earth construction techniques used in the wall are also highly refined.

The Taizhou Prefecture City Wall faces the Ling River to the south, the East Lake to the east, the Jinzishan Mountain to the southeast, and the Longgu Mountain to the northwest. Its layout resembles a coiling dragon or crouching tiger, dominating the region. Originally, the city had seven gates and seven gate towers, each crowned atop its respective gate, majestic and imposing—well-suited to the warfare needs of the time, designed for both defense and offense.

Chonghe Gate – Huifeng Tower, located due east of the city near the East Lake and adjacent to the moat, features a barbican and a drawbridge, commonly known as the "Drawbridge Head." The name Chonghe Gate comes from the grand, well-proportioned, and imposing appearance of the wall. Huifeng Tower takes its name from the beautiful landscape of the ancient city and the idea that the benefits of building such a stronghold should go to the people. It reflects a perfect harmony between nature and humanity, truly a sight to behold.

Jingyue Gate – Jingyue Tower, situated southeast of the city near Jinzishan Mountain and close to the Ling River. Both the gate and tower share the repeated naming of “Jingyue,” emphasizing the construction of the wall to resist enemies, defend the homeland, and ensure a peaceful life for the people.

Xingshan Gate – Chaoran Tower, located slightly east of the southern part of the city, also near Jinzishan Mountain to the east and the Ling River to the south. Xingshan Gate gets its name from the nearby Jinzishan Mountain, which is home to many temples, where Buddhist and Taoist acts of kindness inspire people to do good and avoid evil, fostering a culture of charity within the city. Chaoran Tower, situated near both Jinzishan Mountain and the Ling River, takes its name from the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding landscape—so stunning that it deserves to be preserved. The tower, positioned above the gate, also offers a fine view of Jinzishan and the Ling River, hence the name “Chaoran,” meaning transcendent.

Zhenning Gate – Shenxiu Tower, located due south of the city, bordering the Ling River to the south and connecting to the prefectural office to the north, commonly known as the “Great South Gate.” Zhenning Gate conveys a sense of calm and tranquility, symbolizing a peaceful and stable home for the people. Shenxiu Tower is named with the aspiration of building the city of Lucheng into a magical and beautiful place that captivates all who see it.

Fengtai Gate – Xiabiao Tower, located at the southwest corner of the city, adjacent to the Ling River on two sides. The name Fengtai Gate reflects the region’s abundant resources and the peaceful lives of its people, expressing wishes for prosperity and health. Xiabiao Tower is named to signify that the lives of the people of Lucheng are as colorful and beautiful as the rosy clouds in the sky.

Kuocang Gate – Jixian Tower, located due west of the city, facing the Ling River. Kuocang Gate is named after Mount Kuocang, the highest peak in southeastern Zhejiang. Jixian Tower draws its name from the legend that the mountain is inhabited by immortals who refine elixirs and practice arts, eventually ascending to heaven. The area around Mount Kuocang boasts remarkable cultural and natural landscapes that stir the imagination. Chaotian Gate – Xinggong Tower, located at the northwest corner of the city, borders the Ling River to the west and leans against Longgu Mountain to the north. It is a naturally formidable pass, commonly known as the “West Gate.” Chaotian Gate, backed by the steep terrain of Longgu Mountain, is majestic and imposing, and its name suggests a connection to the heavens, adding grandeur and vitality to the wall. Xinggong Tower is named to promote public welfare and bring enduring benefits to the people of the ancient city, ensuring their lasting gratitude.

Since 1984, the Taizhou Municipal Government has opened a new Wangjiang Gate in the middle section of the western city, built a new Beigugate outside the northern side of Longgu Mountain and next to the City God Temple, and reconstructed Chonghe Gate on the original site. The opening of Wangjiang Gate has created a scenic spot for river viewing. With a tower atop the gate, visitors can enjoy the sweeping views and feel as though they are experiencing the magnificence described in the phrase: “Of the nine gates of Chicheng, this one stands out the most; amid the thousand graceful sights of the Ling River, this is where beauty shines.”

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level