砲台山景區 Introduction
The Fort Hill Scenic Area is located beside the Suhua Highway at an elevation of about 200 meters. In the 15th year of the Guangxu era, in response to the French military's intention to invade Su'ao, the Qing dynasty established two coastal defense forts and barracks here for protection, thus earning its name. Besides the Qing military fortifications, there are also remnants of the "Kotohira Shrine" established during the Japanese colonial period on the mountain. Kotohira is revered in Japan as the guardian deity of maritime transportation, with captains or shipyards offering prayers for safe navigation before launching their vessels. Currently, the existing fort at the site has only its base remaining after renovations, while the upper fort was constructed later. A pair of stone lanterns from the Kotohira Shrine has now been relocated to either side of the entrance of the Tianjun Temple on the mountain. Although the ruins of the past are no longer there, the gnarled old banyan trees thrive, creating a lush canopy under which people can seek shade and relief from the heat. Looking eastward, the view is expansive, with the entire Su'ao harbor in sight.
