Department of Cultural Affairs

Built in 1825, Chih-Shan-Yen Gate is a remnant of armed conflict between two communities of immigrants from Zhangzhou and Quanzhou (both in Fujian Province). Made of locally quarried stones, the gate was a defensive construction of the people from Zhangzhou. The top of the wall was crenellated, with loopholes through which weapons could be fired. The original fortification included four gates, positioned east, west, north and south, of which only the west gate is extant. Inside the gate can be found Huiji Temple and a funerary temple. On the rock outside the gate are four Chinese characters inscribed by noted Qing-dynasty scholar Pan Yongqing, depicting the enchanted beauty of Chih-Shan-Yen.