Dongmen City Square

　　Dongmen, also known as Yingxi Gate, was built in the 9th year of the Daoguang reign (1829) and is the only remaining structure from the Zhulian Old City. Situated on a roundabout where major streets meet, it has long been an important landmark of Hsinchu City. In 1999, the city government renovated the roundabout into "Dongmen City Square" with the concept of the "Heart of Hsinchu," allowing residents to get closer to this century-old heritage site. The adjacent moats were also transformed into a waterfront park, forming a green leisure belt in the city center.

　　The Dongmen City Square is elliptical in shape. Despite being at the intersection of nine roads, its clever spatial design and landscaping have turned it into a tranquil park that shields visitors from the hustle and bustle. The classic Yingxi Gate stands at one end of the square, constructed from granite imported from mainland China. The gate tower features a hip-and-gable roof with double eaves, upward-curving swallowtail ridges, and elegant hanging flower baskets beneath the eaves. The crenellated parapet is made of bricks with square firing holes used for defense, and next to the gate stands the "Danshui Hall City Wall Construction Stele," which details the history of the city’s construction.

　　The old section of the moat has been renovated into a pedestrian underpass, now serving as an art gallery featuring old photographs that recall the history of the “Wind City.” A circular path surrounds the gate tower, offering various viewing angles. The four sides of the path are adorned with “poetry walls” intricately carved with verses celebrating the scenery of Zhulian, allowing visitors to experience the timeless charm of the Wind City as described by literati through different eras.

　　The square’s plaza is paved with a glass floor, which not only harmonizes visually with the adjacent waterfront area but also highlights the importance of the glass industry to Hsinchu. The rice noodle-shaped neon lights embedded in the glass aptly represent the city’s local specialties, symbolizing a clever blend of high technology and traditional heritage. Additionally, the ambient lighting inspired by triumphal arches casts a brilliant glow at night, accentuating the splendor of Yingxi Gate.

　　Transportation Guide: Walk along Zhongzheng Road from Hsinchu Railway Station for about 5 minutes to reach the square.