New Taipei City Martyrs' Shrine Introduction
The Martyrs' Shrine is a temple dedicated to the military personnel, police officers, and civilians of the Republic of China who died in service and have significant deeds of loyalty. It is located next to the Huwei Fort in Danshui District. Surrounded by towering ancient trees and lush greenery, the shrine stands on the historic battlefield of the Battle of Huwei during the Sino-French War. After Japan occupied Taiwan, a Shinto shrine was built in 1939 (Showa 14) to honor Emperor Meiji. Following Taiwan's restoration, the original structure, which had fallen into disrepair and become a ruin, was demolished by the New Taipei City Government in 1974. A reconstruction was established on the original foundation, preserving the scale of the former shrine, but adopting traditional Chinese palace-style architecture, thus becoming the "New Taipei City Martyrs' Shrine." It enshrines the spirits of many anti-Japanese martyrs. Surrounded by verdant ancient pines that frame the shrine, it exudes a simple yet elegant charm. Within its confines, one can feel a sense of tranquility, akin to "idle clouds and wild cranes." Standing under the paifang (archway), one can listen to the whispers of the pine trees and gaze upon Guanyin Mountain, making it one of the scenic spots in Danshui known as "Pine Waves of the Martyrs' Shrine," though the pine forest has since vanished due to pest damage.
