Tamsui Customs Wharf Park Introduction
The Customs Wharf located on Zhongzheng Road was historically an extremely important port in Taiwan due to the Treaty of Tianjin in 1858 and the Treaty of Peking in 1860 during the Qing Dynasty. It played a significant role in trade history. At that time, the Harbor Bureau wharf and the British Consulate's ship house were established here. The Chinese government later officially invited the British Horatio N. Lay to serve as the "Director General of Customs," transferring the customs management authority to foreigners, marking a crucial historical evidence of foreign powers' aggression in northern Taiwan during the late Qing Dynasty. Within the Tamsui Customs Wharf area, there are Western-style buildings and two "Harbor Warehouses" built during the Japanese colonial era, which are now designated historical sites. The riverside walkway provides a clear view of the Tamsui Customs Wharf, which is approximately 150 meters long and constructed with a gravity-type quay wall. The surface of the quay wall is made entirely of hard stone, filled with pebbles to prevent erosion from the tide. At that time, materials such as Guanyin stone and Qilian stone were commonly used, along with "mooring stones" and "boarding ports" for loading and unloading goods. Currently, it serves as a military dock for the Navy, within the boundaries of a military camp. From afar, this remnant of the Qing Dynasty evokes memories of the bustling port from a century ago. Bicycles are now allowed to enter the park area for sightseeing, and the area has also established a "Bike Energy Station" providing rest, simple repairs, and consultation services. The scenic views are excellent; not only can visitors overlook the Guandu Bridge from the riverside, but they can also enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Tamsui River estuary. Nearby, there is the "Tamsui Fishing Life Cultural Image Museum," which displays many Tamsui scenic postcards, and a scenic café where visitors can enjoy and rest while taking in mountain and sea views, as well as beautiful sunsets.
