New Taipei City Martyrs' Shrine Introduction
The Martyrs' Shrine is a temple dedicated to honor the military personnel, police officers, and citizens of the Republic of China who died in service and have significant acts of loyalty. Located next to the Huwei Fort in Tamsui District, the shrine is surrounded by ancient trees and lush greenery. It is situated on the historic battlefield of the Battle of Huwei during the Sino-French War. After Japan occupied Taiwan, a shrine was built in 1939 during the 14th year of the Showa era to honor Emperor Meiji. After the restoration of Taiwan, due to years of neglect, it became a ruin. In 1974, the New Taipei City Government demolished it and rebuilt it on its original foundation, preserving the original scale of the shrine but adopting a traditional Chinese palace architectural style, thus becoming the "New Taipei City Martyrs' Shrine." It now enshrines the spirits of numerous anti-Japanese martyrs. Surrounded by ancient cedars, the shrine exudes a simple yet elegant beauty. Being there gives a sense of tranquility and peace, while standing under the archway listening to the sound of the pines and gazing at Guanyin Mountain is considered one of Tamsui's Eight Scenic Views, known as "Martyrs' Shrine Pine Waves." Currently, the cedar forest has been lost due to pest damage.
