Fengyi Gate

Fengyi Gate

Fengyi Gate is the former east gate of the Old City in Zuoying District. This spectacular ancient structure, situated amid a bustling urban landscape, is truly unique. A section of the ancient wall and moat still remain today.

Introduction

The outer gate plaque is inscribed with “Fengyi Gate,” and the upper text reads: “Construction commenced in the Yang month of the Year of Yiyou during the Daoguang reign; completed in the Li month of the Year of Bingxu,” as well as “Supervising Magistrate Chen Kun, Donation Campaign Manager Liu Yizhong.” The surviving wall extends over 500 meters and is located behind Dàyì Junior High School. The name is derived from the line in the Book of Documents (Shujing): “The nine complete melodies of the Shao played, and the phoenix came in graceful flight,” hence the name Fengyi Gate. It is the only one of the four gates that still retains a section of the moat, with flowing water encircling it—imbued with a strong sense of antiquity.

The entire fortress faces from northeast to southwest. Among the various cities in Taiwan, only the Old City of Fengshan was designed to encompass an entire mountain within its walls. This was intended to enhance its defensive capabilities, using the high ground to gain tactical advantage over enemies. Regarding the layout of the city gates, the East Gate is situated at the midpoint of the eastern wall and served as the passage between the Old City of Fengshan and the New City. In the past, soldiers were stationed here for defense and attacks, as well as for supplying military provisions.

Transportation

Xinglong Section, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City

Take the Taiwan Railways Western Line to Zuoying Station and walk for about 20 minutes.