Taipei North Gate (ChengEn Gate)

A few years ago, this building was a ruin because an elevated highway coming from Zhongxiao Bridge turned the Beimen historical site into a wasteland, with cars emitting exhaust fumes right next to it. Thanks to the decisive actions of Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, during a six-day holiday, the elevated highway was demolished! Traffic in the area is now much smoother! Beimen's tourism value and historical significance have been revitalized and its historical status restored.

The Taipei North Gate, formally known as Cheng'en Gate (承恩門), is a historic two-story gatehouse and a significant symbol of Taipei's heritage. Design: A solid, closed blockhouse with a traditional Chinese wooden roof truss and streamlined ornamentation, built for both entry and defense. Significance: It is the only one of the original five Qing Dynasty city gates that remains preserved in its authentic 19th-century appearance, making it an invaluable national monument. Modern Context: Though surrounded by the modern city, its visual prominence was recently restored after the demolition of a nearby elevated highway ramp, allowing it to stand proudly as a "national gateway" to Taipei's historic West District. Qing Dynasty Construction (1884): The gate was built as part of the Walls of Taipei under the Qing Dynasty, when the city was established as the prefectural capital. Strategic Role: The North Gate was considered the most important of the five gates, facing the Datun Mountains and serving as the primary official entrance to the city, particularly connecting to the thriving Dadaocheng area. The name Cheng'en means "to receive divine grace." Japanese Colonial Period (1895-1945): The city walls were dismantled in the early 1900s for urban development. While the other four gates were either demolished or significantly altered, the North Gate was left relatively untouched, preserving its original Qing architectural style. 20th Century Obstruction: For nearly 40 years, starting in 1978, the gate was partially obscured and shadowed by the construction of a ramp for the Zhongxiao Bridge overpass, a modern traffic solution. Restoration to Prominence (2016): The overpass ramp was controversially but successfully demolished in 2016 as part of the "West District Gateway Project," finally restoring the North Gate's visibility and highlighting its status as a historical focal point. Came here to this gate to visit this historic gate and symbol of Taiwanese history.