Taiwan - Hengchun

Gill - Taiwan - 28.06.2012

Hengchun Ancient City South Gate, Kenting

Perhaps due to the slow pace of development here, the small city of Hengchun has some of the best preserved city walls in the country. If you are taking the circular route around Kenting, or heading to the aquarium, then you will probably pass through the area.

All four gates are still standing. They were built as a response to the Mudan incident of 1874 when Japanese troops attacked the island in response to the murder of Japanese sailors by Paiwan aborigines.

Southern Gate: 

In the old district, alongside the relics of Monkey Cave Mountain, the South Gate stands in the middle of Hen-Nan Road. It looks like a solitary gateway in the midst of a modern traffic roundabout. Monkey Cave Mountain, though merely a coral reef hill, is thought to be the origin of imperial power. In front of the Gate tower is a shelter, giving the appearance a covered sidewalk, for protection from the sun and rain. This is an unusual design.