Taiwan Food Atlas

Zhongcheng Gate

The gateway to the cross-sea bridge built in the Chiang Ching-kuo era — the embodiment of Dongyin's wartime spirit
📍 Matsu · Dongyin Township · Near Zhongzhu Harbor⛩️ Historic Sites & Temples🔖 Military Memorial Landmark · Cross-Sea Bridge · "Never Discharge" Bronze Statue

Zhongcheng Gate is the historic main gateway of Dongyin, serving as its principal entrance before Zhongzhu Harbor opened in 1988, and today it is the symbolic entrance to Zhongliu Village, Lehua Village, and the old street of Zhonglu. Atop the gatehouse stands a bronze statue of an armed soldier standing guard, in place continuously since it was built in 1974 and nicknamed "A-Rong," known as "the soldier of Dongyin who never retires." On Zhongzhu Island, at the middle of the bridge, stands Ganen Pavilion with a bronze statue of Chiang Ching-kuo, commemorating his role in bringing about the cross-sea bridge that connects Dongyin Island and Xiyin Island.

Before Zhongzhu Harbor was rebuilt and opened in 1988, Zhongcheng Gate was Dongyin's main pier gateway to the outside world; the armed-soldier bronze statue atop the gatehouse has stood guard continuously for over four decades since it was built in 1974 and is affectionately nicknamed "A-Rong" by soldiers and visitors; on Zhongzhu Island at the midpoint of the cross-sea bridge stands Ganen Pavilion with a bronze statue of Chiang Ching-kuo, commemorating how his visit to Dongyin led to the bridge's construction, improving the connection between Dongyin Island and Xiyin Island.

Highlights of Zhongcheng Gate

Dongyin Island and Xiyin Island were originally separated by Zhongzhu Reef; at high tide the two islands were almost completely cut off from each other. After Chiang Ching-kuo inspected Dongyin during his time as Premier, he ordered the construction of a cross-sea bridge to connect the two islands. The completed bridge greatly improved military and civilian connectivity on Dongyin. Zhongcheng Gate is the entrance gatehouse on the Dongyin side of the bridge — its solemn design and name both echo the wartime spirit, a tangible memorial to this episode of construction history.

The "Never Discharge Soldier" bronze statue depicts a soldier standing guard with a rifle, commemorating the generations of military personnel who kept watch here over the decades. The statue and gatehouse together convey the military memory of Dongyin's role as a frontline stronghold during the Cold War. The bridge spans the reef channel between the two islands; beneath it the water is deep blue, and at low tide the reefs are exposed — offering a good angle for photographing the cross-sea bridge. Ganen Pavilion at the far end can be reached on foot, offering different views and interpretive information from both ends.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

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Read the Inscriptions on the Statue and GateThe base of the "Never Discharge" statue and the inscriptions on Zhongcheng Gate record the background of the construction and its commemorative significance — reading them carefully provides context for Dongyin's wartime spirit.
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Walk Across the Cross-Sea BridgeWalk from Zhongcheng Gate across the bridge to Ganen Pavilion on the Xiyin Island side. The view from the bridge is open and wide, and the reefs and sea below are worth photographing.
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Photograph the Bridge from the Reef LevelAt low tide you can walk close to the reef zone beneath the bridge and shoot the cross-sea bridge and gatehouse from a low angle, capturing the full image of the bridge spanning the reef channel.
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Evening Light on the GatehouseZhongcheng Gate faces west; evening sunlight shines directly on the front of the gatehouse — the best lighting for architectural photography of the gate.

Practical Information

Getting There and Time Needed

  • To reach Dongyin, take the Taima Ferry or fast ferry from Nangan. Check the latest schedules with the official Taima Ferry service — strong wind conditions may affect cancellations.
  • Zhongcheng Gate is near Zhongzhu Harbor, the closest attraction to Dongyin's main pier area. After arriving on Dongyin, it is reachable on foot or by scooter in a few minutes.

Nearby Connections

  • The area around Zhongzhu Harbor is Dongyin's main settlement and commercial zone — a good place to arrange a meal before heading out to other attractions.
  • Can be combined with Andong Tunnel and Dongyin Lighthouse as a Dongyin wartime heritage theme route, comprehensively covering Dongyin's military history.

Source: Matsu National Scenic Area Administration, Lienchiang County Dongyin Township Office. Photos pending Dio's on-site shots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role did Zhongcheng Gate play before Zhongzhu Harbor opened?

It was Dongyin's main pier gateway to the outside world, and became more of a landmark and symbolic entrance after Zhongzhu Harbor was rebuilt in 1988.

Does the soldier statue atop Zhongcheng Gate have a nickname?

It is nicknamed "A-Rong" by soldiers and visitors, having stood guard continuously since it was built in 1974, earning it the title "the soldier of Dongyin who never retires."

Where exactly is Ganen Pavilion located relative to the bridge?

It stands on Zhongzhu Island at the midpoint of the cross-sea bridge, not at the Xiyin end of the bridge, and holds a bronze statue of Chiang Ching-kuo.

Sources

🗺️ View on the map ← All Lienchiang attractions