To residents of Hsinchu, the elegant East Gate, one of Hsinchu's most important landmarks, is a symbol of their city. Established in 1733, the city used to be surrounded by bamboo groves. Hence, it was given the name "Chuchien," which means "bamboo wall." In 1826, members of the local gentry asked the authorities to erect a city wall made of brick and stone, and the request was granted. Construction started in 1827, and four gate towers were erected. As a result of city planning during the Japanese era, the wall and other gates were torn down in 1902, leaving only the East Gate. The East Gate has a granite foundation with an arched doorway and a tower on top. Originally a wooden structure, the tower was later rebuilt with concrete. It has 24 pillars and a gable-and-hip roof with double eaves. Elegant pendants hang below the upturned swallowtail eaves. Square loopholes on the battlements were used to shoot through. A stele beside the gate documents the history of Chuchien.