Established in the first year of Emperor Qianlong's reign, the Great South Gate (Dananmen) served as a protective barrier for Taiwan Prefecture. During the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, the gate underwent renovations to enhance its defenses, including the addition of six large cannons. Today, Dananmen comprises the wengcheng (barbican), the main gate structure, and the gate tower. The gate tower is divided into two sections: the inner city, which is rectangular, and the outer city, which is semi-circular. During the Daoguang era, to prevent soldiers from harassing civilians, a prohibition plaque was erected within the city, instructing that farmers and merchants should not be extorted by military officers. This plaque remains on display within the gate to this day.
The origin of the Stele Forest dates back to the Japanese colonial period when the Taiwan Exposition was held. During this event, ancient steles from various parts of Tainan were collected for exhibition purposes. At that time, 45 steles were gathered. After World War II, an additional 15 ancient steles were moved from Chihkan Tower, along with one newly unearthed stele, bringing the total to 61. These steles vary in size and age, making this collection the largest of its kind in Taiwan. The 61 steles can be categorized into six types based on their inscriptions: merit steles, construction steles, architectural diagram steles, donation steles, tomb path steles, and proclamation steles. Each stele tells its own story and holds significant historical value.
