Tamsui Customs Wharf Park Introduction
The Customs Wharf located on Zhongzheng Road was an extremely important port in Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty because of the Treaty of Tientsin in 1858 and the Treaty of Peking in 1860, marking its significance in trade history. At that time, the Wharf Bureau and the British consular wharf were established here. The Chinese government then officially invited the British national Horatio N. Lay to be the "Chief Customs Officer," transferring customs management to foreigners, which serves as important historical evidence of foreign invasions in northern Taiwan during the late Qing Dynasty. The Tamsui Customs Wharf area features Western-style buildings and two "wharf warehouses" built during the Japanese colonial era, which are now designated historical sites. The riverside trail offers a clear view of the approximately 150-meter-long gravity wharf structure of the Tamsui Customs Wharf, built with hard rock and filled with pebbles to prevent erosion from tides. The stones were primarily made of Guanyin stones and Kili shore stones, along with mooring stones and gangways for loading and unloading goods. Currently, it serves as a military port for the Navy and is within a military zone. Standing far away, one can reminisce about the bustling port from a century ago. Bicycles are currently allowed into the park for visitors to explore. Moreover, a "Bicycle Health Station" has been established within the park, providing rest areas, basic repairs, and guidance services. The scenic aspect of the area offers excellent views, allowing visitors to gaze at the Guandu Bridge across the river and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Tamsui River estuary. Nearby, there is the "Tamsui Fisheries Life Cultural Image Museum," which exhibits various Tamsui scenery postcards, as well as a scenic café where visitors can observe mountain and sea views along with sunset beauty, perfect for visiting and resting.
