Address/ Intersection of Chung-hsiao E. Rd., Yen-ping N.Rd., and Chung-hua Rd., Taipei City.
Construction Date/1879
In 1879, the administration of Tamsui and Hsintien was divided into separate districts. Ch'en Hsin-chu founded the prefeture of Taipei and sought to build a fort on the site, but was prevented from carrying out this plan because of the softness of the ground, unable to bear the weight of the foundation. Later, the Governor of Fukien Ts'en Yu-ying and Taiwan magistrate Liu Ao together carried out a survey of the site. Accordingly, in 1882, Cantonese masons were commissioned to build th fort, and work was at last completed two years later, in 1882. The circumference was greater than fifteen thousand feet, and five gates were included. The north and east gates were adjacent to the fort's outer wall; the lesser south gate was constructed on a smaller scale. The important North Gate(Pei Men), also known as the Ch'eng-en Gate, is referred to in an inscription as the 'lock' upon the door to the territory within.
Photo of North Gsate dating from the early 1900's, with early Taipei skyline visible beyond. A flight of stone steps led from the wall into the battlement within.
The gate as it was in 1895, viewedfrom within the walls. Tablet above the protcullis was inscribed, 'Lock of the stony Territory.' The ceremonial archway visible in center of photo led to the Machinery Bureau and the Officer Reception Pavilion.
View of the gate from a Japanese era photo taken after the surrounding walls and structures had been demolished.
View of the site from a snapshot taken in 1975. This gate is the only structure surviving in its original appearance from the Ch'ing Dynasty establishment of Taipei prefecture.
Schematic diagram of the gate's layout and construction.
(1)Portcullis.
(2)Portico.
(3)Lookout window
(4)Round lookout window
(5)Groove of the railing
(6)Inner chamber.
(7)Beam structure supporting roof.
(8) Entry connecting upper level to old city wall.
[Government & Public Service Pavilion]
[Education]
[Science & Research]
[Transportation & Communications]
[Industry]
