Old City of Zuoying

The Old City of Zuoying is a fortified settlement in Zuoying District, Taiwan, whose stone walls and preserved gates date from the Qing dynasty period. The fortification surrounds a rectangular area roughly 500 meters (1640 feet) on each side, with three main gates at the north, east, and south still visible today and showing the original military function.

The first fortifications were built in 1722 from rammed earth when the Qing administration began establishing military bases in Taiwan. Following destruction during the Lin Shuangwen uprising in the late 18th century, the walls were rebuilt in 1826 using stone blocks to provide greater protection.

The surviving gates display names in Chinese characters that refer to Confucian virtues, conveying the social ideals of that era to visitors. Inside the walled area, a Confucian temple still stands and is regularly used for ceremonies, reflecting respect for education and tradition.

The three surviving gates can be reached from public streets and allow visitors to observe the stonework construction up close. Zuoying High Speed Rail station is located nearby and offers fast connections from other cities in Taiwan.

This fortification is among the first approved city walls in Taiwan, as the Qing government had previously banned the construction of defensive works on the island. Permission was granted after local unrest showed that unfortified settlements were difficult to defend.