Wulu Ancient Fortifications Introduction
During the Japanese colonial period, the Japanese government forced the Bunun people living in the mountainous areas to move to designated settlements for centralized management. At the same time, they confiscated the firearms and ammunition that the Bunun relied on for survival. To protect their homeland, the Bunun people mounted a resistance and engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Japanese, leaving behind many heroic tales, with the "Wulu Incident" being the most representative. During the Russo-Japanese War in 1903, a large cannon captured from Russia was transported to Taiwan and installed at a high point in the Wulu settlement to compel the Bunun people to submit. After World War II ended and Japan unconditionally surrendered, this century-old cannon was not returned to Japan. Today, the ancient artillery platform is located in the park behind Wulu Elementary School, which was once a place where the Japanese imprisoned criminals. Notably, the entrance features a stone tablet inscribed with "Namu Amida Butsu" from the Showa era, which is said to have been erected to honor the souls of Bunun warriors. Visitors can ascend the stone steps up the hillside to reach the high point—the Wulu artillery platform. The two hundred-year-old cannons overlook the sacred hunting grounds of the Bunun. The area behind the artillery platform has been transformed into a pavilion, while one cannon originally placed at Motian has been replaced by a maintenance station for the highway bureau. The foundation of the artillery platform remains intact, allowing one to imagine the power of the cannons and the brutality of the Japanese colonial rule in suppressing and persecuting the indigenous Bunun people. Tourists can witness the historical evidence of Japanese oppression while also feeling the glorious symbol of the Bunun people's courageous resistance. On holidays, visiting the Wulu Ancient Cannon Park is a wonderful idea, where you can witness the historical relics and enjoy the nearby Nanheng Forest, with its lush greenery and picturesque scenery, making it a great spot for hiking and picnicking, ideal for relaxation. This is a destination worth visiting.
