Sizihwan Scenic Area Introduction
Xiziwan is renowned for its beautiful sunsets and natural reefs, featuring attractions such as Xiziwan Beach, Waterfront Park, and the British Consulate at Takao. Visitors can enjoy ocean views and gaze at the Port of Kaohsiung. The beach exudes a tropical atmosphere and southern charm, especially at dusk when the evening glow illuminates the sky and fishing boats twinkle with lights, creating a stunning seascape. Xizi Sunset is one of Kaohsiung's top eight scenic spots, and during sunset, the stone railings along the coastal breakwater become the best place to admire the afterglow. Not far from Xiziwan, the inscription on the gate of the Shau Cheng Fort reads "Xiong Zhen Bei Men" in large, powerful characters. Established in the first year of the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty, it is currently designated as a municipal historic site and was built around the same time as the Cihou Fort, complementing each other. Today, the cannons no longer exist, leaving only the curved gun platform as a nostalgic remnant for future generations. The Xiziwan Visitor Center (Shau Chuan Tou Park) is located at the intersection of Shau Chuan Street and An Chuan Street in the Gushan District, directly across from the Gushan Ferry Terminal. The Hama Star area, which is nestled between mountains and water, boasts unique natural resources and historical cultural sites, and the park is planned with a focus on the overall development of the Hama Star area. Covering an area of 0.63 hectares, visitors can appreciate the views of ferries traveling between Gushan and Cijin, the scenery of the Port of Kaohsiung, and the Kaohsiung 85 Building. The "Xiziwan Visitor Center" located within Shau Chuan Tou Park has a distinctive architectural design that catches the eye whether viewed from land or sea, becoming an important landmark in Kaohsiung Harbor alongside the exhibition hall and the 85 Building. In addition to its striking appearance, the Xiziwan Visitor Center also offers various services including tourist information, cultural creative products, and local cultural performances, allowing visitors to relax and appreciate the local customs and cultural beauty. The British Consulate at Takao Cultural Park, located in the famous summer resort "Xiziwan," features a distinctive white zigzag staircase on the hillside to the right upon entering Xiziwan, standing out among greenery. Climbing up the stairs feels like a pilgrimage journey from land to sea. Built in 1879, the British Consulate is an English-style building situated at the edge of Shau Chuan Tou Wharf, with the consulate officer's residence built on a small hill, backed by mountains and facing the sea. It is the oldest existing Western-style modern building in Taiwan and was the first consulate established by the British government in Taiwan. The park maintains the complete residence and consulate, along with an interconnected ancient mountain path. Touch each red brick of the consulate's residence to feel the traces of time; history is at your fingertips while the beautiful scenery of Kaohsiung lies beneath your feet. The best time to visit the residence is from the afternoon to evening. Looking east, the magnificent view of the Kaohsiung Port, including the 85 Building and the Dream Mall Ferris Wheel, creates a lively modern painting. To the south, the view of Cijin Fishing Port displays ferry and fishing boats coming and going, occasionally accompanied by the sound of horns, presenting a calm and leisurely atmosphere. Looking west reveals "Xizi Sunset," renowned for its tranquil beauty at times and magnificent waves at others. The park also combines leisure dining options, allowing visitors to dine and enjoy tea while showcasing a romantic ambiance within the old architecture. Shau Chuan Tou Yacht Marina is located at the intersection of Shau Chuan Street and An Chuan Street in the Gushan District, adjacent to Shau Chuan Tou Scenic Park. A pedestrian bridge connects it to the bustling Gushan Ferry Terminal across the water, adding a sense of leisure and tranquility. The term "Shau Chuan" means patrol boat; the area, once known as Shau Chuan Ting, was an early-developed port in Kaohsiung's Hama Star, transitioning from fishing to tourism. The marina now serves as a docking area for yachts, and the scenic park is well-planted with various coastal plants and water-friendly facilities for visitors to leisurely explore. Standing at the marina, visitors can enjoy a gentle sea breeze while admiring various uniquely shaped yachts and ferry traffic, as well as picturesque views of Cihou Mountain, the lighthouse, and the majestic harbor city landscape, whether under the blue sky by day or the splendid golden sunset. The Shau Chuan Tou Fort can be accessed via a small hiking trail opposite a small park on Lane 30 of An Chuan Street. Following the scenic path to the British Consulate at Takao takes less than a minute on foot. The Shibawang Temple sits atop a mountain cape at the entrance of Kaohsiung Port, offering a wide and beautiful view. The temple's architecture retains traditional Minnan style, and a steep staircase leads up to its entrance, reportedly testing the sincerity of worshipers. According to a stone tablet in the temple, 18 merchants from China landed at present-day Xiziwan during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, only to be viewed as rebels and collectively executed. Grateful residents remembered the 18 forebears and constructed a shrine to house their remains for worship, marking the temple's earliest origin. During the Japanese occupation, the Japanese dug the western cave of Xiziwan in an attempt to expand the Port of Kaohsiung. However, construction faced difficulties and numerous casualties occurred. After local residents suggested seeking blessings from the 18 Wang Gong, the work was finally completed successfully. In collaboration with local citizens, the earliest Shibawang Temple was built on the land now occupied by the sports field of National Sun Yat-sen University and was subsequently relocated to its current site atop the mountainous cape in 1984, coinciding with the university's establishment; the temple has since seen a growing influx of visitors to Xiziwan at night, resulting in a flourishing of its incense offerings. The Xiong Zhen Bei Men was initially built during the Zheng period and later reconstructed during the Qing Dynasty by hiring French engineers to construct Western-style forts. The city wall was made of rammed earth and red bricks, standing guard alongside the Weizhen South Fort at Cijin, controlling the strategic location of Kaohsiung Port. It served as a vital transportation hub from Cihou to the old city of Fengshan during the Qing Dynasty, and has recently been renovated into a historic park, offering the best vantage point to view Xiziwan and observe vessels entering the port.
