New Taipei City Martyrs' Shrine Introduction
The Cihu Memorial is a shrine dedicated to the military personnel, police, and citizens of the Republic of China who died in service with significant loyalty and devotion. Located next to the Huwei Fort in Tamsui District, the memorial is surrounded by ancient trees and lush greenery, serving as the ancient battlefield of the Huwei battle during the Sino-French War. After Japan occupied Taiwan, a shrine was built in Showa 14 (1939) to honor Emperor Meiji. Following Taiwan's restoration, the shrine fell into disrepair and became a ruin. In 1974, the New Taipei City Government demolished it and rebuilt it on the original foundation, retaining the size of the original shrine but adopting a traditional Chinese palace architectural style, becoming the "New Taipei City Cihu Memorial," which enshrines many spirits of anti-Japanese martyrs. The shrine is surrounded by verdant ancient pines, offering a simple yet elegant ambiance. Inside, one can feel a sense of serenity akin to wandering clouds and wild cranes. Standing under the paifang, one can listen to the sound of the pines and gaze at Guanyin Mountain, which is one of the Eight Sights of Tamsui known as "Pine Waves of the Cihu Memorial." However, the pine forest has long since vanished due to pest damage.
