It is the first stone-walled city built by the Qing government in Taiwan.
The city layout was originally designed based on traditional Chinese geomancy, positioning the walls between the Turtle Mountain and Snake Mountain.
The North Gate features unique door gods carved directly into the stone, a rarity for fortifications of this era.
Parts of the old city walls were repurposed into the modern urban landscape of Kaohsiung, leading to a fragmented architectural layout.
The city was abandoned as a local administrative center in 1853 when the seat of government moved to present-day Fongshan District.
Fongshan Old City is the oldest stone-walled fortification in Taiwan, originally constructed in 1722 during the Qing Dynasty. While the initial structure was made of mud, it was rebuilt with stone between 1824 and 1826 following the Lin Shuangwen rebellion. The site features segments of the original ramparts, including the remaining East, North, and West gates, which are scattered throughout the modern Zuoying District. The East Gate, known as Fengyi Gate, is the best-preserved section, complete with a moat and surrounding stone walls. The North Gate, or Gongchen Gate, retains distinct decorative stone carvings of tigers and door gods. It is a government-designated national monument administered by the Bureau of Cultural Heritage. The site serves as a physical record of the shifting administrative centers of Kaohsiung during the Qing period.
The East Gate (Fengyi Gate) provides the most comprehensive view of the wall and the surrounding defensive moat.
Bring a portable fan and ample water, as the historical sections provide very little natural shade.
Walk the elevated sections of the wall at the East Gate for a vantage point over the neighboring Lotus Pond area.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the terrain around the wall ruins can be uneven and rocky.
Do not attempt to walk the entire perimeter of the old city in one go, as the walls are fragmented and often interrupted by modern traffic infrastructure.
Respect all stone structures by not climbing on or defacing the historical walls; maintain a quiet demeanor near religious shrines integrated into the site.
