Taipei City Wall-North Gate (Cheng-en Gate)Post date：2016-11-22
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At the intersection of Zhongxiao West Road and Boai Road in Zhongzheng District stands a Qing Dynasty gate with a vermilion majestic appearance -- it looks like a fort, and its presence is impressive. This is a rare sight in Taipei, a gate that retains its original Qing Dynasty appearance – North Gate.
During the final years of the Qing Dynasty, Taipei City had five gates – East, West, South, and North Gates, and Small South Gate. North Gate was built in 1879, and early on it was the main entrance to the thriving Dadaocheng area. North Gate is also known as Cheng-en Gate, because above the rounded archways of the outer wall there is a horizontal panel inscribed with the words “Cheng-en Gate”, facing the north, and meaning “accepting imperial favor”. In the past, local officials dispatched by the Qing Dynasty all used Cheng-en Gate to enter and exit Taipei City, differing from the practice of the general population, which entered from South Gate.
North Gate is a closed bunker-style tower made of piled interlocked rocks. The walls are made of red bricks, and the outside is covered with plaster that combines both defensive and fireproofing features. One glance, and it looks very solid. It has a traditional Taiwanese-style Xieshan single-eave roof with a slight dove-tailed tilt. The smooth curves in the solemn colors of the gate reveal its simple, soft style.
With the urban renewal plan during the period of Japanese rule, West Gate was demolished. With the retrocession of Taiwan after World War II, the other gates were renovated one by one, but they had already lost their original grandeur – only North Gate retained its original appearance and was designated a national monument. For the last 100 years, it has stood in the middle of bustling traffic, bearing witness to the ups and downs of history, but it still exudes a simple classical elegance. As a way to recall the past, you may want to plan a tour of Taipei’s ancient North Gate – you will find it very rewarding!
During the final years of the Qing Dynasty, Taipei City had five gates – East, West, South, and North Gates, and Small South Gate. North Gate was built in 1879, and early on it was the main entrance to the thriving Dadaocheng area. North Gate is also known as Cheng-en Gate, because above the rounded archways of the outer wall there is a horizontal panel inscribed with the words “Cheng-en Gate”, facing the north, and meaning “accepting imperial favor”. In the past, local officials dispatched by the Qing Dynasty all used Cheng-en Gate to enter and exit Taipei City, differing from the practice of the general population, which entered from South Gate.
North Gate is a closed bunker-style tower made of piled interlocked rocks. The walls are made of red bricks, and the outside is covered with plaster that combines both defensive and fireproofing features. One glance, and it looks very solid. It has a traditional Taiwanese-style Xieshan single-eave roof with a slight dove-tailed tilt. The smooth curves in the solemn colors of the gate reveal its simple, soft style.
With the urban renewal plan during the period of Japanese rule, West Gate was demolished. With the retrocession of Taiwan after World War II, the other gates were renovated one by one, but they had already lost their original grandeur – only North Gate retained its original appearance and was designated a national monument. For the last 100 years, it has stood in the middle of bustling traffic, bearing witness to the ups and downs of history, but it still exudes a simple classical elegance. As a way to recall the past, you may want to plan a tour of Taipei’s ancient North Gate – you will find it very rewarding!
