Great East Gate
A historic 1723 gate, a remnant of Tainan's city walls, now a landmark in a busy traffic roundabout.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer cars, better photos
Great East Gate
Best Time
Fewer cars, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1723 gate, a remnant of Tainan's city walls, now a landmark in a busy traffic roundabout.
"Nice gate in the middle of main road. Part of the history, but because of the road around it is almost impossible to enjoy it without cars."
📸 Capture the Night Glow
The gate looks stunning when lit up at night. Great for photos!
🚗 Be Mindful of Traffic
It's in the middle of a busy roundabout. Be cautious when approaching.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Great East Gate (Yingchunmen)
Intersection of Dongmen Road and Shengli Road, Tainan
A historic two-story gate, a remnant of Tainan's old city walls, now a landmark in a busy traffic circle.
Nighttime Ambiance
Great East Gate
The gate offers nice photo opportunities, especially when illuminated at night, creating a unique atmosphere.
Historical Stone Monument
Inside the Great East Gate
A precious 1848 stone monument prohibiting soldiers from extorting money from farmers visiting the city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Traffic Circle
A Glimpse of Tainan's Past
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Night Glow
The gate looks stunning when lit up at night. Great for photos!
🚗 Be Mindful of Traffic
It's in the middle of a busy roundabout. Be cautious when approaching.
🚶♂️ Limited Access
There's only one way in and out. Plan your approach.
🏛️ Historical Significance
One of the few remaining parts of Tainan's old city walls.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Night Glow
The gate looks stunning when lit up at night. Great for photos!
🚗 Be Mindful of Traffic
It's in the middle of a busy roundabout. Be cautious when approaching.
🚶♂️ Limited Access
There's only one way in and out. Plan your approach.
🏛️ Historical Significance
One of the few remaining parts of Tainan's old city walls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Great East Gate is a historical landmark in Tainan, appreciated for its age and architectural significance, especially when illuminated at night. However, its location in a busy traffic roundabout makes it challenging to access and enjoy peacefully, with many visitors noting the constant car traffic as a drawback.
"Old East Gate to the city - first built in 1723 - set in a small park in the center of an island in the middle of a busy road roundabout. There is only one way in and out on the southeast side.. Once inside some nice photos especially at night."
John a
"Tainan East Gate (Yingchunmen) is located at the intersection of Dongmen Road and Shengli Road. It is still a very important traffic artery in the urban area. If you take the Rende Interchange to the city center or the direction of Anping, you will almost go to Dongmen Road and passing by this landmark circle of the urban area. The ancient name of Tainan is Phoenix City, here is the Phoenix heading in Fucheng. The East Gate Building is a heavy-duty two-story building. The gate is east-west, the middle arch is open, and the upper part of the door is stone. There is a door bolt hole below. The gate of the city gate is granite material, and each stone stone is built with a single and a smooth interaction. On the east side of the arch, there is a stone banner, the book "Donganmen", the west side of the arch is a plaster frame, the title "Yingchunmen", the daughter wall on the city gate has many eyes, is to defend the city, the martial arts The shooting port of the enemy.
Because it is located in the center of the traffic circle, there are fewer tourists to enter. There is a stone monument built in 1848 in the cave: the soldiers are not allowed to extort money from the farmers who come to the city. It is a very precious and interesting stone monument in Dadongmen. In 1838, in order to protect the safety of the market and residents outside the city, another outer city was built, surrounded by bamboo rings, and a rare structure of the city.
大東門城（迎春門）位於東門路與勝利路交叉口，仍是市區非常重要的交通要道，如果走仁德交流道進府城往市中心或安平的方向，幾乎都會走東門路，進入市區的地標圓環。古稱台南為鳳凰城，此處為鳳凰大崗山結穴，進入府城的重要地形，大東門門樓為重擔歇山二層樓形式，城門呈東西向，中開圓拱門，門內上方有石質聯楹，下方有門栓洞。城門基座為花崗石材料，每皮石材以一丁一順交互砌築。 愛東側拱門上乃有石質橫額一塊，書「東安門」，西側拱門上乃為灰泥框，內題「迎春門」，城門上女兒牆開有多處眼，是捍衛府城、玫擊敵人的射擊口。
因為位於圓環中央，比較少遊客進入，城洞內有一塊1848年所立的石碑：欽命不許士兵對來往此城的農商零販，予以勒索。是大東門內非常珍貴且有趣的石碑。1838年為了保障城外市集、居民的安全，所以另建外城一座，以竹圈圍而成，少有的甕城結構。"
James Chen
"Nice gate in the middle of main road. Part of the history, but because of the road around it is almost impossible to enjoy it without cars."
Jarda Vašák
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great East Gate (Yingchunmen) is located at the intersection of Dongmen Road and Shengli Road, right in the center of a busy traffic circle. If you're coming from Tainan Station, you'll likely pass by it if you're heading towards the city center or Anping District.
Access can be tricky due to its location in a traffic roundabout. There's a specific entry point on the southeast side. It's best to approach with caution and be aware of the surrounding traffic.
While you can drive near it, parking directly at the gate is not feasible due to its central location in the roundabout. You'll need to find parking nearby and walk to the entrance.
Many visitors find it best to view the gate from the surrounding roads, especially at night when it's illuminated. Getting close requires navigating the traffic circle carefully.
Yes, it's a major landmark and likely passed by several Tainan City Bus routes heading towards the city center. Check local bus routes for the most convenient stops near Dongmen Road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Great East Gate is an outdoor historical landmark and is generally free to visit.
As an outdoor monument, it's accessible at all times. However, the best experience, especially for photography, is often considered to be during daylight hours or at night when it's illuminated.
There is no entrance fee to see the Great East Gate. It's a public monument.
Yes, there is a designated entry point, and you can go inside the gate structure.
The main restriction is navigating the surrounding traffic. Once inside, it's a historical site, so respectful behavior is expected.
📸 📸 Photography
Many visitors recommend visiting at night when the gate is beautifully illuminated, offering a unique photographic opportunity. Daytime shots are also possible, but the traffic can be a distraction.
The gate itself is the main subject. Capturing it with the surrounding city lights at night can create a dramatic effect. Be mindful of traffic when trying to find the best angles.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for nighttime shots. A wide-angle lens can help capture the gate within its urban context.
Drone regulations can vary, and flying over busy traffic areas might be restricted. It's best to check local regulations before attempting drone photography.
Try capturing the gate with the headlights of passing cars at night for a dynamic effect, or focus on the architectural details of the ancient structure.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
The Great East Gate, also known as Yingchunmen, was first built in 1723 and is one of the few remaining structures from Tainan's original city walls. It was a crucial part of the city's defense and a symbol of its historical importance.
'Yingchunmen' translates to 'Welcome Spring Gate,' suggesting its role in welcoming the season or perhaps visitors.
Yes, there is a stone monument from 1848 inside the gate that prohibits soldiers from extorting money from farmers.
It served as a defensive structure and an entrance to the city. The 'eyes' on the daughter wall were shooting ports for defense.
Originally part of a larger city wall system, it now stands isolated in a modern traffic roundabout, a stark contrast between old and new.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Visiting at night when the gate is lit up can be a magical experience for children, offering a different perspective than daytime viewing. It's a good opportunity to discuss how cities have changed and how historical sites are preserved. However, due to the traffic, it's more of a drive-by or quick stop attraction rather than a place for extended play.
📸 Photographers
Daytime photography requires careful composition to minimize the impact of the surrounding traffic. Wide-angle lenses can be useful for incorporating the urban environment, while telephoto lenses can focus on the architectural details. The historical stone monument inside also offers a unique subject for close-up shots.
🏛️ History Buffs
While its current setting in a traffic roundabout might seem incongruous, it also highlights the continuous evolution of urban landscapes. Understanding its original context as part of a larger defensive system adds depth to the visit. It's a site that encourages contemplation on how history endures amidst modernity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Great East Gate: A Historical Sentinel
Today, the gate stands as a testament to Tainan's rich past, though its setting has dramatically changed. It is now situated in the center of a busy traffic roundabout at the intersection of Dongmen Road and Shengli Road. This prominent location makes it a recognizable landmark but also presents challenges for visitors wishing to experience it up close without the constant presence of vehicles. Despite the modern urban sprawl, the gate's historical integrity remains, offering a tangible connection to Taiwan's colonial and pre-colonial eras.
Inside the gate, a notable stone monument from 1848 can be found. This inscription is particularly interesting as it details regulations against soldiers extorting money from farmers, highlighting aspects of daily life and governance from that period. The gate's survival and its current placement serve as a constant reminder of the layers of history that coexist within Tainan, inviting reflection on the city's evolution.
Experiencing the Great East Gate in its Modern Setting
Despite the traffic, the gate offers a compelling sight, particularly at night. When illuminated, it transforms into a dramatic focal point, creating a picturesque scene that many travelers enjoy capturing. The contrast between the ancient stone and the modern city lights can be quite striking. For those interested in photography, the evening hours often provide the most rewarding opportunities, allowing for unique shots that highlight the gate's enduring presence.
While the immediate surroundings are dominated by roads, the gate itself is a point of interest. It serves as a reminder of Tainan's historical significance and its transformation over centuries. For travelers seeking a quick glimpse of history amidst urban exploration, the Great East Gate is an accessible, albeit somewhat challenging, landmark to encounter.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit