Hengchun Ancient City

　　    Hengchun Ancient City is situated in Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan, and was the county seat of Hengchun County during the Qing Dynasty. Its construction began on October 18th of the first year of the Guangxu era (November 15, 1875) and was completed on July 15th of the fifth year of the Guangxu era (September 1, 1879). It is the only remaining city wall structure in Taiwan that still preserves all of its original gates.

　　    The city wall of Hengchun Ancient City spans a perimeter of 880 zhang (approximately 2,600 meters), with a base thickness of 2 zhang. The outer wall stands 1 zhang, 4 chi, and 5 cun tall, while the inner wall is 1 zhang, 3 chi, and 4 cun high. The walls are 1 zhang and 6 chi wide. There are four gates in total; apart from the South Gate, which is also known as the “Mingdu Gate,” the other three are simply referred to as the East Gate, North Gate, and West Gate. Outside each gate lies a moat, with bridges built over them at the gate entrances. Additionally, there are artillery batteries set up between the gates. Within the city, various facilities were constructed, including the county government office, the registrar’s office, the Confucian Temple, the Tongshan Public Hall, the Tin Hau Temple, the Wind God Temple, the City God Temple, the Fude Shrine, the Three Mountain Kings Temple, the White Dragon Temple, the Five Dragon King Temple, and the Guanyin Temple. The liveliest area of the city is in the southwest, where the main streets include County Front Street, West Gate Street, Blacksmith Street, South Gate Street, Guest Street, East Gate Street, North Gate Street, and Earth God Street, among others.

　　    In 1935 (the 10th year of the Showa era during Japanese rule), Hengchun Ancient City was designated as a Historic Site, Scenic Spot, and Natural Monument. After World War II, in 1985 (the 74th year of the Republic of China), it was listed as a second-class historical site in the Taiwan-Fujian region, later upgraded to a national historic site. It is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Pingtung County.

　　    Hengchun Ancient City Reason to Visit: The only ancient city in Taiwan that still retains all of its original city gates