TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Archaeologists unearthed a major Qing dynasty (清朝) weapons cache near Tainan Railway Station (台南車站), discovering eight large cannon barrels, 20 small cannon barrels, and over 2,000 cannonballs during underground railway construction. The find, located on the south side of Xiaodong Road (小東路), marks the most significant discovery since excavation of a sugar mill road structure in October. Researchers also recovered helmets, suspected blades, and 30 gun barrels from the site.
Tainan City's Cultural Affairs Bureau (文化局) confirmed the excavation site sits near the Qing dynasty's Great North Gate (大北門), also known as Dabeimen. Researchers believe the military temporarily stored these weapons at the gate for easy access during the Qing era. Historical shifts over time buried the arsenal, leading to its discovery during the current railway project.
Historical documents from 1875 place the weapons cache near the Qing dynasty's Dabeimen and a former gunpowder depot, now the site of National Cheng Kung University Banyan Park (國立成功大學榕園). Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) emphasized the importance of balancing local development with cultural preservation. The mayor said the city must maintain its historical richness while fostering innovation.
Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Huang Ya-ling (黃雅玲) said Tainan's early urban development likely conceals many historical records and prehistoric relics underground. She stressed the necessity of cultural asset investigations and construction monitoring before major projects begin in the city. The discovery underscores the importance of archaeological oversight as the Tainan Railway underground project continues near the historic Great North Gate site. ◼