Fort Mountain Scenic Area Introduction
The Fort Mountain Scenic Area is located next to the Suhua Highway, at an elevation of approximately 200 meters. In the 15th year of Qing Guangxu's reign, in response to the French military's intent to invade Su'ao, the Qing government established two coastal defense artillery forts and barracks here for defense, resulting in its name. In addition to the forts built by the Qing army, there are also ruins of the "Kotohira Shrine" established during the Japanese occupation period. Kotohira is revered in Japan as the guardian deity of maritime transportation, and captains or shipyards would come to pray for safe voyages before launching their vessels. The current fort has only the foundation remaining after renovations, while the upper fort is a new construction. A pair of stone lanterns from the Kotohira Shrine have now been moved to either side of the entrance of the Tianjun Temple on the mountain. Although the remnants of the past are no longer present, the area is still filled with sprawling old banyan trees, providing shade and a cool respite. Looking eastward, the view is expansive, with the entire Su'ao Harbor in sight.
