aeeble

Nanmen, also known as Lizheng Gate, was completed in 1884 (the 10th year of the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty). It was the main gate of the Taipei Prefecture City at that time, and therefore its style and dimensions were the most magnificent among the several city gates. The stones used were from the Dazhi area, and the construction was exquisite and has remained in good condition over the years. The stone tablet around the gate uses a chi-long pattern, which is different from other city gates. During the early period of Japanese rule, the Japanese destroyed the city walls, city ramparts, and the West Gate of Taipei. Although Nanmen was luckily preserved, it gradually deteriorated due to long-term neglect. After the Kuomintang government moved to Taiwan, the government renovated the old city gates, and Nanmen was later restored into a northern Chinese palace-style city tower, which greatly deviated from its original appearance. However, the stone base of the city and the arched gate hole were fortunately kept in their original form. Nanmen is located at the intersection of Gongyuan Road, Nanchang Street, and Aiguo West Road. Next to it is the first-grade historic site, the Tobacco and Alcohol Monopoly Bureau Building, and the Presidential Residence with high walls and strict security. Police officers and plainclothes officers are stationed every three steps and five steps, making pedestrians reluctant to linger. It is a great pity. Next time when you pass by, why not stop for a while and carefully observe this former main gate of Taipei that once bore the responsibility of guarding the city.