Tamsui Octagonal Tower

Taipei Attractions

淡水八角樓外觀

The Octagonal Tower, completed in 1925, serves as the spiritual stronghold of Tamkang University and stands as a representative architecture of the Mackay era. This building was originally named "Faith, Hope, and Love Tower," and was designed by Mr. K. Doawie, a mathematics teacher and missionary at the time. Its architectural style draws from prestigious schools in the UK and USA, combining both Eastern and Western elements while incorporating local Taiwanese architectural features. The layout follows the traditional three-sided courtyard format. The main tower stands 60 feet tall, flanked by two-story wings, with classrooms that sequentially lower towards the two sides. The front classrooms end with wing towers, and there is a balcony in front, with corridors extending to the sides. Three towers surround a lush courtyard, with a palm-lined path leading to the front entrance. The entrance is accented with a Guanyin stone lintel, intricately carved with motifs of sparrows and lanterns to emphasize the Chinese aesthetic. Above the lintel of the Octagonal Tower is the calligraphic inscription "Faith, Hope, and Love" by Wu Ting-fang, representing the school's founding motto. The name "Tamkang Junior High School" was originally inscribed in cursive, but during the Japanese rule, it was re-carved as "Private Tamkang Junior High School." Two rows of Alexander palms were planted along the pathway in front of the gates, and a second floor was added to the east wing. Following the merger of the male and female schools in 1956, a second floor was also constructed on the west wing, resulting in its present appearance. This charming building not only cultivates an elegant academic atmosphere for Tamkang University but also...

Address：26 Zhenli Street, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 251

Tamsui Octagonal Tower Introduction

The Octagonal Tower was completed in 1925 and serves as the spiritual fortress of Tamkang High School, representing the Mackay era. Originally named "Faith, Hope, and Love Tower," it was designed by Mr. K. Doawie, a mathematics teacher and missionary. The architectural style is inspired by prestigious schools in the UK and the US, combining Chinese and Western elements while also incorporating local Taiwanese architecture. The layout follows the traditional Sanheyuan format. The main tower, which stands at 60 feet tall, is flanked by two stories on either side, with classrooms extending along the wings in progressively lower heights. The classrooms at the front are capped by wing towers, while the front features a balcony and corridors on the sides. The three towers surround a lush courtyard, accessed by a palm-lined path leading to the main entrance. The main entrance is adorned with Guanyin stone as its lintel, intricately carved with bird replacements and palace lanterns to highlight Chinese aesthetics. Above the lintel of the Octagonal Tower is the saying "Faith, Hope, and Love," a motto established when the school was founded, inscribed in the seal script by Wu Ting-fang. Originally, there was calligraphy stating "Tamshui High School," but during the Japanese occupation, it was re-carved to read "Privately-run Tamshui High School," with two rows of Alexander palm trees planted in front and an additional floor added to the east wing. Following the merger of the boys' and girls' schools in 1956, a second floor was also added to the west wing, creating its current appearance. This charming building has not only shaped an elegant academic atmosphere at Tamkang High School, providing the best environment for inspiration and the cultivation of a humanistic spirit, but it has also become one of the most romantic filming locations for many modern visual ads. A helpful reminder: If you wish to visit, please make a reservation through the official website of Tamkang Senior High School beforehand!

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Tamsui Octagonal Tower Travel Information

Address：26 Zhenli Street, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 251

Transportation Methods：【Public Transport】1. Bus: Take the Kuo-Kuang Bus Tucheng-Danhai Line or the Sanchong Bus Danhai-Banciao Line, and get off at Hongmao Castle Station or Tamsui University Station. 2. MRT Transfer to Bus: Get to Tamsui MRT Station and take buses Red 36, Red 38, Red 51, 837, 869, 870, 871, 872, or 873 to Tamsui University Station or Hongmao Castle Station. 【By Car】1. National Highway No. 1 → Exit at Wugu → Drive north on New Taipei City Road 5 → Pass Chengtai Road → Cross Guandu Bridge → Connect to Minquan Road → Zhongzheng East Road → Zhongzheng Road → Tamsui Street.

Tickets：If the public wishes to visit, please make a reservation on the official website of Tamkang Senior High School before visiting!

Other Nearby Attractions： Mackay Cemetery 、 Little White House (New Taipei City Tamsui Historical Museum) 、 Li Learning Hall 、 Tada Eikichi Residence 、 Former British Consulate Residence 、 Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf Cultural and Historical Museum 、 Tegai Lishi Trading Company 、 Fort San Domingo (Tamsui Historical Museum) 、 Tamsui Art Workshop 、 New Taipei City's Huwei Disaster Prevention Education Center

Nearby Cuisine： Old Brand A-Gei (Yang Ji A-Gei) 、 Tamsui Cultural A-Gei 、 Three Sisters A-Gey 、 Red Crowned Crane Bean Shop 、 Bamku Food Co., Ltd. 、 Ancre Café 、 Chai Mi Couple Chinese Noodle Restaurant 、 Kuo Chuan Fu Bakery 、 Tamsui Consulate Cafe 、 Yipinyuan