The Story of the Fortifications: Taiwan's Walls in Qing Dynasty Documents and Images

Roof Tiles from the Lesser West Gate of Tainan
Qing dynasty（1644-1912）

Located in modern-day Tainan, Taiwan Prefecture remained a central hub for political, economic, and cultural activities over the course of the Qing dynasty. Established in 1725, Taiwan Prefecture underwent multiple reconstructions. By the Daoguang era, it featured eight main city gates. In 1970, the National Palace Museum received roof tile fragments inscribed with the words “city tiles” from Lo Yun-ping, president of the National Cheng Kung University. The fragments are believed to be from the Lesser West Gate of Taiwan Prefecture and provide valuable evidence corroborating the National Palace Museum’s historical records of the city’s construction.

Jointly presented by Fuk'anggan, Decheng, and Xu Siceng
16 May 1788

At the recommendation of General Fuk’anggan, Emperor Qianlong assigned Ministry of Works Deputy Minister Decheng and Fujian Governor Xu Sizeng to oversee the reconstruction of Taiwan’s city walls and moats. The strengthening of the Taiwan Prefecture was treated as a priority, while Zhuluo County, recognized for its courageous resistance during wartime, was renamed Chiayi and approved for reconstruction. However, funding was a major challenge. After careful cost evaluations by Fujian officials and the Ministry of Works, it was decided to construct walls using a mixture of rammed earth instead of bricks or stones. Upon reviewing the proposal, Emperor Qianlong approved it with the directive: “Proceed as proposed.”

Gazetteer of Kavalan District of the Prefecture of Taiwan
Compiled by Chen Shujun and Salian
Imprint of 1852

Kavalan Prefecture, located in modern-day Yilan City, was the first newly constructed city wall and moat in Taiwan during the 19th century. In 1812, prior to the establishment of Kavalan Prefecture, city construction had already begun. Prefectural magistrate Yang Tingli planted bamboo in five clusters to form the city walls, surrounded by Taiwan crepe myrtles, which led to its nickname “Taiwan crepe myrtle city.” After the prefecture was formally established, the government added layers of defensive measures including bamboo stakes, moats, suspension bridges at the four gates, and city gate towers, thereby completing the city’s infrastructure. These efforts symbolized the growing stability of governance in the “back mountain region.”

Presented by Han Kejun, Dismissed but Retained Fujian Governor
26 March 1827

Another driving force behind city construction in the 19th century came from the initiatives of local officials and gentry merchants. To prevent unrest and maintain order, local communities strongly urged for more robust city walls and moats. Nevertheless, financial constraints were a persistent challenge. By the Daoguang era, through a collaborative model involving petitions by Fujian officials and contributions from local resources, city walls in cities such as Changhua, Tamsui (Zhuqian), and Fengshan were successively rebuilt with bricks and stones. By reading this memorial containing the list of donors contributing to the reconstruction of Fengshan, readers may be able to find additional information.