Three centuries ago, Tainan constructed the Fucheng city walls for defense and governance. Today, only three major gates and remnants of the walls remain, yet the memory of this ancient city is deeply embedded in its urban fabric. To mark the 300th anniversary of Fucheng's establishment, the Tainan City Government's Cultural Affairs Bureau is collaborating with local cultural groups to organize the "Fucheng City Wall Festival" from May 3 to May 11. This nine-day event invites the public to revisit the city's historical sites through artistic performances, interactive tours, and community participation, embarking on a cross-era cultural exploration.
The Naming of Taiwan's Fucheng
Fucheng, or the Prefectural City of Taiwan, was the administrative center during the Qing Dynasty. After administrative reforms in 1887, it was renamed Tainan Prefectural City. The original Fucheng area primarily encompasses today's West Central District east of Ximen Road, along with parts of the East, South, and North Districts. The area west of Ximen Road to the old settlement of Anping (Yikunshen) was once the Taijiang Inner Sea.
Remnants of the Fucheng City Walls
Built in 1788, the remnants of the Fucheng city walls are among the few surviving sections in Tainan. Notably, the South Gate section on Shulin Street has been restored using traditional methods, preserving its historical appearance. In December 2020, this section, along with other gates and wall remnants, was designated as a national historic site under the collective title "Taiwan Fucheng City Gates and Wall Remains."
Fucheng City Wall Festival (Photo: Tainan City Cultural Heritage Office & Toco Life)
Highlights of the Fucheng City Wall Festival
To commemorate the 300th anniversary, the Cultural Affairs Bureau is hosting the "Fucheng City Wall Festival," a grand celebration spanning two weekends from May 3 to May 11. The festival kicks off with the "City God Patrol Parade" on May 3, a ritual not held for 20 years, where the City God will tour the city, visiting the four main gates: East, South, West, and North, symbolizing protection and blessings for the city.)
On May 9 at 5:25 PM, the "Five-Nine Encirclement" event invites citizens to gather at various city gates, holding hands to form a human chain around the city. The South Gate will be opened for participants to enter and "protect" the city, leading into the "City Life Carnival" on May 10 and 11, featuring interactive activities, performances, and markets celebrating the city's 300-year history.
Four Major Art Forms and Two Interactive Activities
The Cultural Affairs Bureau has curated four major art forms and two interactive activities to blend historical memory with contemporary art, offering a time-transcending urban celebration.
One of the Four Main Art Forms: Fucheng City God Patrol Parade (Photo: Taiwan Fucheng City God Temple & Toco Life)
- 1. City God Patrol Parade
The "City God Patrol Parade" symbolizes the City God's inspection of the city and can also be interpreted as a "City Exploration." Following the old city contours, the parade will pass through the East, South, West, and North Gates, representing the City God's protection over the city.
- 2. City Wall Art Installations
Collaborating with artists from Fake Fire Atelier, art installations titled "City Dots" will be displayed at various gates and along Youth Road from May 1 to June 1, serving as connections between history and the future.
- 3. Fiber Art Exhibition
The "Weaving Flow: Fiber Art Exhibition," created by artists Lin Pei-Ying, Sun Jia-Xuan, and Zeng Jing-Ting, involves community workshops with citizens, schoolchildren, and tourists. The artworks will be exhibited around the original West Gate area, including the West Market, Asakusa New World, and Baomei Building.
- 4. Environmental Theater
On May 4, the "Disappearing City" environmental theater will be performed along Shulin Street, featuring immersive performances based on historical events like the "Zhu Yigui Duck Mother King Rebellion" and the story of British missionary Thomas Barclay. The performances will guide audiences through sites like the Koxinga Shrine and the Small South City God Temple.)
Interactive Activities:
- Digital Stamp Rally: Participants can collect digital stamps by visiting various historical sites around the city walls. Completing the tasks allows them to redeem exclusive gifts at the "City Life Carnival" on May 10 and 11.
- Themed Mini Tours: Five themed tours are organized, each exploring different routes into the old city, such as from the Kunshen area or along the northern official road. These tours aim to recreate the experience of entering the city through different gates during the Qing Dynasty.
For more information and updates, please visit the Tainan City Government's Cultural Affairs Bureau website.
