The west gate of the ancient city of Hengchun was hit by a truck again, causing the bricks and stones to peel off. Residents angrily complained that it was about to become square.

The west gate of Hengchun was almost knocked into a square shape. (Photo by reporter Cai Zongxian)

Due to local backlash and enforcement difficulties, the west gate of the ancient city of Hengchun, a national monument, has officially removed the physical road blockage of the "four-wheeled vehicle ban" that had been in place for half a year and replaced it with publicity signs. Unexpectedly, the policy had just made a "big turn" when it was immediately reported that a truck had driven in and scratched it, and the floor above the doorway was covered with broken bricks and powder, which severely slapped the official decision in the face. Local residents were so angry that they cursed and said that the ancient monument was about to become a square shape. "Forget about removing the road blockage, at least install technological law enforcement!"

The west gate of the ancient city of Hengchun, which was once famous for being "stuck" in the tour bus in the movie "Cape No. 7", has long been used as a "can opener" for trucks that accidentally got into it. The Cultural Assets Bureau of the Ministry of Culture started a trial ban on vehicles with more than four wheels on January 30 this year. Although it successfully protected the historical monuments, local residents complained about the inconvenience and the public said it was difficult to implement. After the trial period expired, it announced at the end of July that it would not continue. Roadblocks were removed and replaced with signboards and court cases to strengthen publicity, hoping that driving would automatically slow down.

Please read on...

However, less than two months after the policy was cancelled, the tragedy immediately happened again. On October 3, it was discovered that the west gate was hit by a truck again. The masonry above the door opening was damaged and peeled off, and the ground was covered with orange-red broken brick powder. The official gave up the physical blockade just a few days ago, but now it has immediately reversed the effort, which makes cultural supporters and local residents feel extremely ironic and chilling.

"I feel really helpless when I see the door that is about to become a square and the broken bricks on the ground!" Local residents said angrily that since the road blockage has been removed, at least cameras should be set up on both sides and technological law enforcement should be installed to restrict driving through reminders on navigation and speed measuring software. Otherwise, just relying on soft propaganda will be in vain.

In this regard, the Cultural Resources Institute of Ping County Government stated that after police investigation, it was found that a truck did scratch the top of the door opening while passing by on the evening of October 2. After receiving the report, it contacted the Cultural Assets Bureau of the Ministry of Culture to handle the matter. The driver of the truck has been traced and a fine will be issued according to law. Local residents who are concerned about historical monuments appealed that century-old monuments cannot withstand repeated destruction, and relevant units must face up to the crisis and not let precious historical assets become victims of reckless driving.

After the road blockage was lifted, Ximen was hit again and the floor was covered with brick dust. (Photo by reporter Cai Zongxian)

After the road blockage was lifted, Ximen was hit again and the floor was covered with brick dust. (Photo by reporter Cai Zongxian)

After the road blockage was lifted, Ximen was hit again and the floor was covered with brick dust. (Photo by reporter Cai Zongxian)