Tamsui Customs Wharf Park Introduction
Located on Zhongzheng Road, the Customs Wharf became an extremely important port in Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty due to the Treaty of Tientsin in 1858 and the Treaty of Peking in 1860, which played a crucial role in trade history. At that time, the Wharf Bureau and the British Consulate boat house were established here. The Chinese government later officially invited the British Horatio N. Lay to serve as the "Chief Customs Officer," transferring customs management authority to foreign individuals, marking significant historical evidence of the foreign powers' aggression in Northern Taiwan during the late Qing Dynasty. Within the customs wharf area, there are Western-style buildings and two "Harbor Warehouses" built during the Japanese occupation, which are now designated historical sites. Along the riverside walkway, one can clearly see the customs wharf, which is approximately 150 meters long, constructed with a gravity-type quay wall. The surface of the quay wall is made of hard stone, filled with cobblestones to prevent erosion from the tides. The stones were mainly made from Guanyin stones and Huli shore stones, along with "mooring stones" and "boarding gates" for loading and unloading ships. Currently, it serves as a military harbor for the Navy, within a military camp zone. From a distance, one can reminisce about the port's prosperity a century ago. The area now allows bicycles for tours, and also features a "Bicycle Rest Station" providing rest, simple repairs, and informational guidance services. In terms of scenic views, the area offers excellent visibility, allowing visitors to gaze at the Guandu Bridge along the riverside, and enjoy beautiful sunset views of the Tamsui River estuary. Nearby, there is the "Tamsui Fisheries Life Cultural and Image Museum," featuring many postcards of Tamsui scenery, as well as a scenic café where visitors can relax and admire mountain-sea views and sunset beauty.
