aeeble

Ciaoying was Kaohsiung's administrative center in the early Qing Dynasty and Taiwan's first earth-constructed fortress, which was breached during an attack in the Lin Shuangwen Incident. Consequently, a new city was built in modern-day Fengshan, while Ciaoying became known as the "Old City." In 1826, Ciaoying was rebuilt as a stone fortress—now Kaohsiung's best-preserved fortified structure. Remaining features include the north gate, east gate, south gate, and several hundred meters of the original wall. The Jian Cheng Jihua ("Rebuilding the City" project) uncovered and restored remnants of Ciaoying's old city, connecting sites through historical trails. The Jian Cheng Trail begins at the Jian Cheng Hall and follows the form of the original stone fortress with an elevated walkway, linking existing trails around Tsaikun and Shoushan Hills. The pathway reconnects land parcels bisected by Victory Road, culminating at the north gate. The trail, spanning 770 meters, features the Taikun Observation Terrace located adjacent to the southern shore of Liyuan Pond, offering panoramic views of notable landmarks such as Longhut Tower, Ch Chun Pavilion, Yuante Temple, and Banping Hill. The trail's design aims to merge seamlessly with the original terrain. In aspects of color, scale, and height, the pathway simulates the original city wall, recreating the historical landscape beneath which red lanterns hang. After dusk, wandering along the illuminated Jian Cheng Trail offers a vivid insight into Kaohsiung's rich historical heritage.