Taizhou Prefecture City Wall 台州府城墙

About Taizhou Prefecture City Wall

Its hillside and riverside sections served different purposes: the northern line follows the ridge, while the Ling River frontage also helped protect the city from floods. Much of the visible northern wall was reconstructed on earlier foundations in the 1990s. Compare those sections and their terrain, reading the wall as an evolving defensive and flood-control system.

The earliest fortifications date to the Eastern Jin dynasty, with expansion in the Tang and major alterations in the Song. Repairs in 1045 introduced brick-and-stone facing, and a realignment in 1071 brought the wall to the cityward side of East Lake (东湖). Later work included enclosed gateway defences built in 1712. The eastern wall was demolished in 1956, while reconstruction of the northern line took place on its earlier foundations in the 1990s.

The wall's projecting bastions were adapted to river conditions. Their water-facing sides were made curved or sloping to reduce the impact of flowing water, while the opposite sides remained square. Ming alterations by Qi Jiguang (戚继光) and Tan Lun (谭纶) raised and thickened the walls and added thirteen hollow, two-storey towers. Qi later applied experience gained here to construction and reinforcement of the Great Wall (长城).

What to look for

• The northern ridge section contrasts with the lower Ling River frontage.
• Riverside defensive forms reveal the wall’s additional role in flood control.

Location & getting there

Getting to Taizhou Prefecture City Wall

Approach Lansheng Gate at the northern end of Donghu Road in Linhai’s old city. Select the wall section and exit before climbing, since the ridge route includes substantial steps.