Tag: taipei

Huwei Fort

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 13, 2009

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Huwei Fort
臺北縣淡水鎮中正路1段6卷34號
886 (02) 26295390
admission: 50NT

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Just 1 kilometer from Fort San Domingo is Huwei Fort.  At 1st glance, you’d know that it was meant for military action.  I also noticed that the place had a lot of plants & small animals.  Visitors could definitely sit there on the top and enjoy the view (well just make sure that the weather is not hot when you visit).

In 1886, following the Sino-French war, the Chinese government decided to strengthen Taiwan’s coastal defenses thus Huwei Fort was built.  To ensure the strength & structure of this fortress, German engineer Max E. Hecht was hired to oversee the construction project.

Huwei Fort construction was finished in 1889 but it was never used in any war hence it is still intact.  The Fort was designated as a 2nd class historical site in 1985.  It has been open to the public since then.

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One thing to note is the architectural characteristics of Huwei Fort.  It’s called The Hidden Fort as it’s located at high altitude & covered by surrounding woods thus it could not be found easily.  It has fortified walls, massive gates, batteries & steep steps to its ramparts.

There is an inscription above the entrance that reads “北門鎖鑰” (Key to the Northern Gate).  This inscription denotes the importance of the fort in the defense of the island.

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More pictures taken at the Huwei Fort here.

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Fort San Domingo

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 12, 2009

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淡水紅毛城 Fort San Domingo
臺北縣淡水鎮中正路28卷1號
886 (02) 26231001
admission: 60NT

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Tamsui’s most famous site is Fort San Domingo.  It is one of the most treasured historical site in Taiwan.  Fort San Domingo could trace its origins back to 1626 when it was a Spanish colony.  Through the years, a lot of nationalities clashed & fought with each other in Tamsui and Fort San Domingo is the perfect witness of that rich history.

When we entered the place, I made sure that I get the 10NT brochure of the place.  I was certain that I had to do a lot of reading in order to understand the rich history of Tamsui’s Fort San Domingo.  I could really feel that this is a place close to the heart of taiwanese people.   We were even lucky enough to go to Fort San Domingo when they were having the UNESCO Heritage Days that celebrate the historic sites of Tamsui.

Here are the series of events that can describe simply the various cultures that made Fort San Domingo to what it is now:

  • 1629-1641 – Spanish army occupied Tamsui as the base of their colony in Taiwan
  • 1642-1661 – the Dutch colonized Southern Taiwan & drove out the Spaniards.  The Dutch built a new fort on the site called Fort Antonio.
  • 1683-1867 – Chinese government controlled the fort.
  • 1868-1972 – the British took over the fort & made it their trade consulate.
  • 1980 – Republic of China reclaimed the land.  The fort was classified as a grade one listed historical site & was renovated & opened to the public.

Fort San Domingo has 2 buildings in its site:

  • Fort Antonio
It was first constructed by the Dutch as a defense in 1644 but was rebuilt by the British as a consulate office after.  The exterior was painted red.  Battlements & watchtowers were added as well as balcony, storerooms & yards.

The lower floor was converted into jail consisting of 4 prison cells.  Foreigners who committed crimes in Taiwan were kept in this jail as they were exempt from judgements of the local laws.

Upper floor was divided into 4 rooms.  Facilities like incinerator, safe, vault, fireplaces can be found inside those rooms.

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  • Former British Consular Residence
A colonial-style house built by the British that featured French windows, verandahs & raised foundation which were designed to provide better ventilation & drainage.

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More pictures here.

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Bay Cafe Tamsui

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 12, 2009

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海灣咖啡館 Bay Cafe
2/F Bay Cafe Zhongzheng Road, Tamsui, Taipei, Taiwan
886 (02) 26200448

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After travelling so far to Tamsui & after visiting 3 places, we were so hungry.  We walked around the Old Tamsui Road to look for a place to eat.  We realized that the food there were quite expensive but we ended up choosing Bay Cafe instead.  Mainly because it had good ambiance and you could see the beautiful sea while dining.

The food at Bay Cafe was actually affordable.  Yes, each meal might cost you around 300-350NT but it was a complete meal considering it had soup, side dishes, main meal & dessert.  I was completely satisfied and when we were done eating, we were all psyched for another jampacked afternoon of travelling!

Here are what we ordered:

  • German Sausage (300NT)
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This was a different twist to the sausage.  I’ve always loved sausage but whenever it was served to me, there had no bones in it.  But this time around, there were bones.  This tasted good and authentic but I still prefer the usual sausage without bones.

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  • Beef Lazamia (300NT)
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  • Basil Chinese Style Chicken with Ricewine (300NT)
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  • Tiramisu (100NT)
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Bay Cafe was very generous with their food servings.  We were hungry when we came in but we were so full when we got out.

There were a lot of foreigners as Tamsui is really a tourist spot.  The great view of the ocean is pretty great there.

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One thing that I remember very well is how GOOD the complimentary bread was.  It was just soooooooooooooo fresh.  Best bread I ever tasted in Taipei.

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More pictures from our yummy lunch here.

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Fuyou Temple

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 12, 2009

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淡水福佑宮 Tamsui Fuyou Temple
臺北縣淡水鎮中正路200號
886 (02) 26211731

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The oldest temple in Tamsui, Fuyou temple lies in the middle of Tamsui Old road (Zhongzeng Rd.).  In the old days, this beautiful temple was visited by families & wives for the safe return of their men.

Fuyou Temple was once called Ma Zu Temple when it was first established during the time of Emperor Chia Ching (1722-1735).  It was reconstructed in 1796 by townsmen & fishermen as the temple for the public during the early years of Tamsui.

Fuyou temples honors Ma Zu, who is the marine goddess that protects fishermen.  It was once shared that Ma Zu showed her power against the French soldiers during the Sino-French war.  The people reported it to their emperor who thus gave the temple a tablet that says “翌天昭佑” which means “A Blessing for the Next Day”.  The tablet is still hanging in the hall of the temple.

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Fuyou Temple also honors Guan Yin & the Lotus King.  More pictures here.

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Tamsui Longshan Temple

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 12, 2009

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Tamsui Longshan Temple 淡水龍山寺
臺北縣淡水鎮中山路95卷22號
886 (02) 26214866

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Located in the middle of the numerous stalls of a jampacked market is Tamsui Longshan Temple.  This is the smaller version of the 2 Longshan Temples located at Taipei, Taiwan.  As I said, it’s pretty small but still a place where people go to.

Tamsui Longshan Temple was built in 1858 by Tamsui townsmen through land donation & fund raising.

Like all of Taiwan temples, you can see how detailed the architecture of Tamsui Longshan Temple is.  This temple has startling wood & stone carvings.  It also has amazing statues which are great to see.  Such a remarkable site to visit.

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Guanin is the one being worshiped in Tamsui Longshan Temple.  He was the protector of Jinjiang, Huian & Nanan.

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More pictures here.

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