TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A construction project in northern Tainan was halted after workers discovered what appeared to be the remains of a Qing dynasty city wall on Wednesday (Nov. 27).

After assessment, it was determined that the find could be of significant historical value. The city's cultural administration will conduct an on-site inspection next Tuesday, per CNA.

Taiwan's Qing rule period began in 1683 with Shi Lang's conquest of Ming dynasty loyalists. It ended in 1895 with the Treaty of Shimonoseki, according to eHanlin.

The storm drain project, which is 98% complete, aims to improve drainage in an area prone to flooding near Minde Junior High School. Stormwater drainage systems are designed to manage both minor and major rainfall events, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

They collect and transport runoff water through a network of pipes, manholes, and open channels. These systems may include retention or detention basins to store excess water and reduce peak flow rates.

Given the location and elevation of the newly discovered historical remains, authorities plan to preserve the remains in situ. The plan involves excavating the site down to the base of the remains and creating detailed 3D digital records, mirroring the strategy successfully implemented for a previous discovery on Gongyuan Road.

This process is expected to add about two to three weeks to the project timeline. The Water Resources Bureau plans to complete the project before the Lunar New Year to minimize disruption to traffic flow during the holiday season.