Haishan Shrine Ruins Introduction
Haishan Shrine was completed on May 13, 1938, during the Showa era of Japan, which was at the end of the Japanese occupation period. At that time, after the July 7 Incidents, Japan entered a wartime phase, and religious control over Taiwan peaked. The Japanese government actively promoted the Japanese assimilation movement in Taiwan to mobilize the entire island in support of the war in response to the situation. As a result, the Taiwanese people were forced to worship at shrines, and a policy of "one village, one shrine" was adopted to strengthen control over Taiwan in various aspects. The construction of Haishan Shrine is believed to be related to these policies implemented by the Japanese government in Taiwan at the time. Furthermore, the shrine served as a site for ideological education and colonial indoctrination by the Japanese government, creating a stark cultural contrast with local temples and shrines in Taiwan. Haishan Shrine remains today with existing stone walls, stone steps, the base of the third torii gate, stone platforms, and an air raid shelter built in 1940. The stone walls are made of Shilin hard rock, while the stone steps are constructed of pebbles. The front part of the air raid shelter has been modified with cement, while the back part retains its original structure. The heritage site includes the remains of Haishan Shrine, the air raid shelter below Haishan Shrine, and the Jisui Water Distribution Pool located in Yuanshan Park.
