Sizihwan Scenic Area Introduction
Xiziwan is famous for its beautiful sunset views and natural reefs. The area includes attractions such as Xiziwan Beach, seaside parks, and the British Consulate at Takao. Visitors can enjoy the ocean view and gaze at the port of Kaohsiung. The beach has a rich tropical vibe and Southern charm, and as night falls, the sunset illuminates the area with colorful hues, while fishing boats' lights flicker in the distance, creating a picturesque scene where the sea meets the sky. Xiziwan's sunset is one of the eight scenic spots in Kaohsiung. At sunset, the stone railing along the coastal embankment becomes the best place to enjoy the lingering rays of the sun. Not far from Xiziwan, the inscription on the gate of Shau-chaun Fortress reads "Xiongzhen North Gate" in large, bold characters. This was established in the first year of the Guangxu period and is currently recognized as a historic site by the special municipality. It was built at the same time as Qihou Fortress and acted as a counterpart. The cannon has since been removed, leaving only the arched gun platform for future generations to reminisce about the past. The Xiziwan Visitor Center (Shau-chaun Park) is located at the intersection of Shau-chaun Street and An-chuan Street in the Gushan District. Across from it is the Gushan Ferry Station. The HamaShing area, where the park is located, boasts unique natural resources and historical landmarks, with an emphasis on the overall development of the region in its planning. The park covers a total area of 0.63 hectares and offers views of ferries traversing between Gushan and Cijin, the beauty of Kaohsiung Harbor, and the iconic 85 Sky Tower. The "Xiziwan Visitor Center," located within Shau-chaun Park, features a unique architectural style that is eye-catching from both land and sea, and, combined with the overall scenery of Kaohsiung Harbor and the exhibition center, becomes an important landmark in Kaohsiung. In addition to its striking appearance, the Xiziwan Visitor Center also provides tourist information services, creative products, local cultural performances, and more, allowing visitors to rest, seek advice, and savor the beauty of local customs and culture. The British Consulate at Takao Cultural Park "Xiziwan" is a famous summer resort in Kaohsiung. To the right of the entrance to Xiziwan, there is a white zigzag staircase on the hillside, which stands out amidst the greenery. Climbing up, you step from mountain to sea, resembling a pilgrimage of sorts. The British Consulate, built in 1879, is an English-style structure located by the Shau-chaun Pier, with the consular residence situated on a hill, nestled against the mountains while facing the sea. It is the oldest existing Western modern architecture in Taiwan and the first consulate established by the British government in the country. The park has preserved the consular residence and the consulate building, along with a connected ancient path leading up the mountain. Just by gently touching the red bricks of the consulate residence, one can feel the traces of time. History is in your hands, while the beautiful view of Kaohsiung lies at your feet, at this junction of mountain and sea, where one can take in the whole picturesque scenery. The best time to visit the British Consulate residence is from the afternoon until dusk. Looking east, the magnificent view of the entire Kaohsiung port area can be seen clearly, including the Kaohsiung 85 Tower and the Dream Mall Ferris wheel, forming a lively, colorful modern painting; looking south, Cijin Fishing Harbor is visible, with fishing boats and ferries coming and going, occasionally punctuated by the sound of whistles, creating a tranquil and leisurely atmosphere. To the west lies "Xizi Sunset," one of the eight scenic spots in Taiwan, calm sometimes, and sometimes vast and majestic. The park also incorporates leisure dining options, allowing visitors to enjoy meals and tea while experiencing the romantic ambiance of the ancient buildings. The Shau-chaun Yacht Marina is located at the intersection of Shau-chaun Street and An-chuan Street in Gushan District, next to Shau-chaun Scenic Park. Crossing the pedestrian bridge connects to the bustling Gushan Ferry Terminal across the way, yet adds an atmosphere of leisure and tranquility. Shau-chaun, meaning patrol boat, was formerly known as Shau-chaun Town, a harbor that marked the early development of HamaShing in Kaohsiung. Today, the fishing industry has transformed into tourism, and Shau-chaun has become a marina specifically for yachts. The scenic park has various coastal plants and waterfront facilities for visitors to wander freely, standing at the dock area to enjoy the gentle sea breeze, marveling at the uniquely designed yachts and ferry traffic, while also overlooking Qihou Mountain, lighthouses, and the grand scenery of the port city. Whether during the blue skies and clear seas of the day or the golden glow of a radiant sunset, the atmosphere here is filled with infinite leisure and romance. The Shau-chaun Mountain Fortress can be accessed through a hiking trail opposite a small park on Alley 30 of An-chuan Street, and within less than a minute walk along the scenic path of the British Consulate residence, you will arrive. The Eighteen Lords Temple stands majestically on the mountain cape at the entrance to Kaohsiung Harbor, offering beautiful and expansive views. The temple architecture maintains traditional Hokkien style, with a steep and rugged set of stairs at the front, said to test the sincerity of believers—"Do not ascend without genuine faith." According to stone tablets within the temple, during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, 18 Chinese merchants crossed the sea to Taiwan and landed at what is now Xiziwan to cultivate land, only to be seen as traitors and collectively executed. Local residents, in remembrance of the spirit of the 18 ancestors, collected their remains and built a shrine to honor them, marking the temple's earliest origins. During the Japanese occupation, to develop Kaohsiung Harbor, the Japanese dug the present-day cave at Xiziwan, but the project encountered difficulties with numerous deaths. After locals recommended it, the Japanese government burned incense to petition Eighteen Lords for protection, allowing the project to successfully complete. Local individuals pooled resources to build the earliest Eighteen Lords Temple on the site of what is now the Chungshan University sports field, and the temple was later moved to its current site on the mountain cape in 1984, coinciding with the establishment of Chungshan University. Due to the increasing number of people visiting Xiziwan to watch the sea at night, the temple's incense offerings have thrived. Xiongzhen North Gate was initially constructed during the Zheng period, with a Western-style fortress built by a French engineer during the Qing Dynasty. The walls were constructed with soil and red bricks, guarding Kaohsiung Harbor alongside the Qijin Weizhen Fortress, controlling the vital maritime routes. It also served as a critical transportation route from Qihou to the old city of Fengshan during the Qing Dynasty. Recently renovated into a historic park, it serves as an ideal spot for viewing Xiziwan and watching ships come and go in the harbor.
