Tamsui Customs Wharf Park Introduction
Located on Zhongzheng Road, the Customs Wharf was a crucial port in Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty due to the Treaty of Tianjin in 1858 and the Treaty of Peking in 1860, holding significant importance in trade history. The Port Bureau wharf and the British consular residence were established here, and the Chinese government officially invited the British Horatio N. Lay to serve as the "Chief Customs Officer," transferring customs management to foreigners, which serves as crucial historical evidence of foreign aggression in northern Taiwan during the late Qing Dynasty. The Tamsui Customs Wharf area features Western-style buildings and two "Port Warehouses" constructed during the Japanese colonial period, which are now designated as city historic sites. Along the riverside trail, you can clearly see the Tamsui Customs Wharf, which is approximately 150 meters long with a gravity-type quay structure. The quay wall is made of hard stone, with cobblestones internally filled to prevent tidal erosion. The stones used at that time primarily consisted of Guanyin stone and Qili'an stone, along with "mooring stones" and "boarding areas" for cargo operations. Currently, it serves as a military dock for the navy, situated within a military camp zone, offering a glimpse of this Qing Dynasty relic that recalls the thriving port from a century ago. Bicycles are allowed to be brought into the park for touring, and the area has established a "Bike Oasis Station" that provides rest areas, simple repairs, and guided consultation services. The park offers excellent views; not only can you enjoy a distant view of the Guandu Bridge along the riverside, but you can also witness the beautiful sunset over the Tamsui River estuary. Nearby, visitors can explore the "Tamsui Fisheries Life Cultural Image Museum," which displays numerous scenic postcards of Tamsui, as well as a scenic café where one can relax and enjoy views of the mountains and sea, along with beautiful sunsets.
