Sizihwan Scenic Area Introduction
Xizi Bay is renowned for its beautiful sunset views and natural reefs. The area includes attractions such as Xizi Bay Beach, Coastal Park, and the British Consulate at Takao, among others. Visitors can enjoy ocean views and distant sights of Kaohsiung Port; the beach has a strong tropical vibe and southern charm. As night falls, the evening glow and the shimmering lights of fishing boats create a stunning seascape. The Xizi Sunset is one of the eight scenic spots in Kaohsiung, and at sunset, the stone railings along the coastal embankment become the best viewing spot for appreciating the lingering twilight. Not far from Xizi Bay, the gate of the Shanchuantou Fort is inscribed with the words “Xiongzhen Beimen,” featuring bold characters with great vigor. This structure was established in the first year of the Guangxu era and is currently designated as a historic site by the municipal government. It was built around the same time as the Qihou Fort, serving as complementary structures. Nowadays, the cannon no longer exists, leaving only the curved gun platform for future generations to reflect nostalgically. The Xizi Bay Visitor Center (Shanchuantou Park) is located at the intersection of Shanchuan Street and Anchuan Street in the Gushan District, opposite the Gushan Ferry Station. The Hama Star area, nestled between mountains and water, boasts unique natural resources and historical cultural sites, and the planning focuses on the overall development of the Hama Star area. The park covers an area of 0.63 hectares, where visitors can enjoy views of ferries crossing between Gushan and Qijin, the beauty of Kaohsiung Port, and the iconic 85 Sky Tower. Located within Shanchuantou Park, the “Xizi Bay Visitor Center” features a unique exterior design that is quite eye-catching from both land and sea, especially when paired with the entirety of Kaohsiung Port, the exhibition hall, and the landmark 85 Sky Tower, establishing it as one of the important landmarks of Kaohsiung Port. In addition to its striking appearance, the Xizi Bay Visitor Center provides various services including tourist consultation, cultural creative products, and local cultural performances, allowing visitors to rest here and gradually savor the local customs and cultural beauty. The British Consulate at Takao Cultural Park is situated in Xizi Bay, a popular summer destination in Kaohsiung. Upon reaching the entrance to Xizi Bay, on the right hillside, there is a white zigzag staircase that stands out against the greenery. Climbing up seems like a pilgrimage, with every step revealing both mountain and sea. The British Consulate, built in 1879, is designed in the English architectural style. The consulate is located next to Shanchuantou Wharf, while the consular residence is built on a small hill facing the sea, making it the oldest existing Western-style modern building in Taiwan and the first consulate established by the British government in Taiwan. The park preserves the consular residence and the consulate, as well as an interconnected ancient mountain trail. Touching each red brick of the consular residence allows one to feel the traces of time, with history at your fingertips and the beautiful landscape of Kaohsiung below. The best time to visit the British Consulate’s residence is from afternoon to evening, providing an unobstructed view of the magnificent Kaohsiung Port area, including the 85 Sky Tower and the Dream Mall Ferris wheel, which together form a vibrant modern painting. Looking south, one can see Qijin Fishing Harbor, where fishing boats and ferries pass by, occasionally accompanied by the sound of whistles, creating a calm and leisurely atmosphere. To the west lies the “Xizi Sunset,” one of the eight scenic spots in Taiwan, which can sometimes be tranquil and at times boisterous. The park also integrates leisure dining, allowing visitors to have meals or tea, showcasing a new romantic charm of the ancient buildings. The Shanchuantou Yacht Marina is located at the intersection of Shanchuan Street and Anchuan Street in the Gushan District, next to Shanchuantou Scenic Park. Crossing the footbridge links it to the exciting Gushan Ferry Terminal on the opposite side but offers a more leisurely and tranquil atmosphere. The “Shanchuantou,” which means patrol boat, was formerly known as Shanchuantou Town, an early harbor area of Kaohsiung’s Hama Star. Now transitioning from fishing to tourism, Shanchuantou has become a marina specifically for yachts while the scenic park is richly planted with various coastal plants and water-friendly facilities for visitors to roam freely. Standing at the marina, one can enjoy the gentle sea breeze while admiring the innovative designs of various yachts and the ferries coming in and out. It's also the best viewpoint for overlooking Qihou Mountain, lighthouses, and the magnificent coastal scenery. Whether under the bright blue skies or the golden hues of sunset, the area exudes endless leisure and romantic ambiance. The Shanchuantou Mountain Fortress is accessed via a small hiking trail opposite the small park on Alley 30 of Anchuan Street, following the scenic path to the British Consulate at Takao. It is less than a minute’s walk. The Eighteen Lords Temple, perched on the promontory at the entrance of Kaohsiung Port, offers beautiful, expansive views. The temple preserves traditional Minnan architectural style, and in front of it lies a steep staircase, said to test the sincerity of believers, as "only the sincere may ascend." According to inscriptions on a stone tablet within the temple, during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, 18 Chinese merchants crossed the sea to Taiwan and landed at present-day Xizi Bay to cultivate the land, but were regarded as traitors and collectively executed. To commemorate the 18 ancestors’ spirit, nearby residents gathered their remains and built a shrine for worship. This marks the earliest origins of the Eighteen Lords Temple. During the Japanese colonial era, the Japanese, in order to develop Kaohsiung Port, excavated the present-day cave in Xizi Bay. Unfortunately, the project encountered difficulties with significant casualties. After residents suggested, the Japanese government burned incense and prayed to the Eighteen Lords for protection, enabling the project to be successfully completed. Local residents then raised funds to construct the earliest Eighteen Lords Temple on land that is now part of the Zhongshan University Athletic Field. Later, in 1984, the temple was relocated to its current site on the promontory in conjunction with the building of the university, and as nighttime crowds increased to view the sea at Xizi Bay, the temple's popularity also rose. The Xiongzhen Beimen was initially built during the Zheng period and later, during the Qing Dynasty, a French engineer was commissioned to construct the Western-style artillery fort. The castle walls are made of a mixture of soil and red bricks, guarding the Kaohsiung Port alongside the Weizhen Tian southern artillery fort in Qijin, controlling strategic coastal areas. It also served as a key transportation hub from Qihou to the old city of Fengshan during the Qing Dynasty. Recently, it has been developed into a historic site park, being one of the best spots for overlooking Xizi Bay and viewing vessels navigating the port.
