Hengchun Old Town, Historic fortified settlement in Pingtung County, Taiwan
Hengchun Old Town is a fortified settlement surrounded by stone walls that protect a traditional Chinese urban layout inside. The entire site preserves its original design from the founding period, with four main gates marking the city entrances.
The Qing Dynasty built this settlement in 1873 as a defense against maritime invasions, making it Taiwan's first castle town. Its strategic location and construction represented a major milestone for the island at that time.
The Qiang Gu ceremony takes place during the seventh lunar month, when people climb greased poles to retrieve ritual offerings hung above. This event reflects how locals keep their ancestral traditions alive through active participation.
The four main gates are accessible and allow visitors to explore the complete perimeter of the ancient fortification, with the walk typically taking a couple of hours. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes and plan the route flexibly, as the areas are freely accessible.
This site stands out because all four original city gates still remain in their initial positions and retain their functional structures. This makes it the only place of its kind on the island and a rare example of completely preserved castle-town architecture.
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