Fort Mountain Scenic Area Introduction
The Fortress Mountain Scenic Area is located beside Suhua Highway, at an elevation of about 200 meters. In the 15th year of the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty, due to concerns about the French military's intention to invade Su'ao, the Qing government established two coastal defense forts and barracks here as a defense measure, hence the name. In addition to the forts built by the Qing army, there are also remnants of the "Kotohira Shrine" established during the Japanese colonial period on the mountain. Kotohira is a deity worshiped in Japan as the guardian of maritime traffic, and ship captains or shipyards would come to pray for safe navigation before launching their vessels. The current fort has been repaired and only the base remains, while the upper fort was built later. A pair of stone lanterns from Kotohira has been relocated to either side of the entrance of the Tianjun Temple on the mountain. Although the relics of the past no longer exist, the old banyan trees still thrive, providing a cool shade under their sprawling branches and leaves. To the east, the view is expansive, and the entire Su'ao Harbor is within sight.
