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

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Local Defense Initiatives

Alongside official construction efforts, local communities built their own defensive structures of various sizes and designs. Though using simpler materials and methods, these local fortifications were thoughtfully adapted to the surrounding landscape and available resources, representing both community solidarity and the diverse character of Taiwanese society at the time.

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Palace memorial on the Victory at Dali-gi Rebel Base
Palace memorial on the Victory at Dali-gi Rebel Base
Jointly presented by Fuk'anggan and Hailancha
2 January 1788
Attack on Daliyi

From the Victory Illustration - The Pacification of Taiwan
Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing Dynasty
Copper engraving

Daliyi, the former name of modern-day Dali District in Taichung City, was a key stronghold for the Lin Shuang-wen family’s anti-Qing resistance during the late Qianlong era. The rebels built earthen walls for defense. When Qing generals Fuk’anggan and others prepared to attack, they observed that the site “leaned against mountains to the east and was encircled by rivers to the south, with earthen walls, densely arranged cannons, double layers of bamboo palisades, and overlapping trenches and embankments that form a formidable defense.” The stronghold also held significant supplies. The depiction of Attack on Daliyi vividly illustrates the strength of this community-built stronghold.
Attack on Douliumen

From the Victory Illustration - The Pacification of Taiwan
Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing Dynasty
Copper engraving

Douliumen, located in present-day Douliu City, Yunlin County, was once surrounded by earthen walls that contrasted starkly with its modern landscape. During the Qing dynasty, frequent uprisings and factional conflicts prompted grassroots communities to build earthen walls for self-defense. During anti-Qing movements led by figures such as Lin Shuang-wen and Tai Chao-chuen, Douliumen became a contested site of intense battles between officials and rebels. This illustration reveals defensive structures built using a mix of rammed earth, wooden palisades, and bamboo stakes.
Palace memorial on victories in the advance to Zhanghua

From Yuezhedang [Monthly Memorial Archives], 11th month of 2nd year of Tongzhi reign (1862-1874)
Presented by Ding Yuejian, Newly Appointed Taiwan Circuit Intendant and Education Commissioner
1 January 1864

Dajia, now a district in modern-day Taichung City, was once a critical transportation hub. During the Tai Chao-chuen incident in the Tongzhi era, fierce battles erupted between Qing forces and Tai’s troops in this area. This memorial by Ding Yuejian reveals that the Dajia region at the time was fortified with earthen walls for defense.