Xiziwan Scenic Area Introduction
Xiziwan is known for its stunning sunsets and natural reefs. The area includes attractions such as Xiziwan Beach, Waterfront Park, and the British Consulate at Takao, among others; visitors can enjoy views of the sea and overlook Kaohsiung Harbor. The beach exudes a tropical atmosphere and Southern Taiwan charm, especially at dusk when the evening glow illuminates the sky and the fishing boats twinkle among the waves, creating a picturesque scene. The sunset at Xiziwan is one of the top eight scenic spots in Kaohsiung. During sunset, the stone railings along the coastal embankment become the best vantage point to enjoy the afterglow. Not far from Xiziwan, the gate of the Shaochuantou Fort is inscribed with "Xiongzhen Beimen," written in large, strong characters. Built in the first year of the Guangxu Emperor's reign, it is currently designated as a municipal historic site. It was constructed around the same time as the Qijin Fort and served as mutual fortifications. Today, while the cannons no longer remain, the curved cannon platform still evokes a sense of nostalgia. The Xiziwan Visitor Center (Shaochuantou Park) is located at the intersection of Shaochuan Street and Anchuan Street in the Gushan District, opposite the Gushan Ferry Station. The Hama Star area, located near the mountains and the water, has unique natural resources and historical cultural relics, focusing on the overall development of the Hama Star area in its planning. The park covers a total area of 0.63 hectares, where visitors can enjoy views of the ferries traveling between Gushan and Cijin, along with the scenery of Kaohsiung Harbor and the 85 Sky Tower. The "Xiziwan Visitor Center," situated within Shaochuantou Park, features a unique architectural style that draws attention whether viewed from land or sea, making it a significant landmark in Kaohsiung Harbor alongside the exhibition hall and Kaohsiung’s 85 Tower. In addition to its striking appearance, the Xiziwan Visitor Center provides tourist information services, cultural and creative products, and local cultural performances, allowing visitors to relax and appreciate the beauty of local customs and culture. The British Consulate at Takao Cultural Park is a famous summer resort in Kaohsiung. Upon entering the entrance of Xiziwan, there is a distinctive white zigzag stairway on the right slope, standing out amidst the greenery. Ascending the steps, one experiences the mountain on one side and the sea on the other, resembling a pilgrimage. The British Consulate, constructed in 1879, is an English-style building located next to the Shaochuantou Pier, with the consular residence situated on a small hillside overlooking the sea. It is the oldest surviving Western-style modern building in Taiwan and the first consulate established by the British government in Taiwan. The park preserves the residence and consulate, as well as an interconnected historical trail leading up the mountain. Each red brick of the consular residence carries traces of time, and history comes alive in your hands while the beautiful Kaohsiung scenery lies beneath your feet, at this juncture between land and sea, capturing breathtaking vistas. The best time to visit the residence of the British Consulate is in the afternoon to early evening. Looking east, the magnificent view of the entire Kaohsiung port area unfolds, with the Kaohsiung 85 Tower and the Dream Mall Ferris Wheel painting a lively modern picture; looking south, one can see the Cijin Fishing Port in the distance with fishing boats and ferries ferrying back and forth, accompanied by the occasional sound of whistles, creating a peaceful and leisurely atmosphere. To the west is "Xizi Sunset," one of the eight scenic spots in Taiwan, sometimes calm and serene, sometimes majestic and grand. The park also integrates leisure dining so that people can enjoy meals and tea while allowing the ancient architecture to showcase a new romantic atmosphere. The Shaochuantou Yacht Marina is located at the intersection of Shaochuan Street and Anchuan Street in Gushan District, near the Shaochuantou Scenic Park. Crossing the pedestrian bridge connects it to the bustling Gushan Ferry Terminal, offering a more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. "Shaochuan" means patrol boat, and the old name for Shaochuantou is "Shaochuan Ting," which was an early harbor that played a significant role in the development of the Hama Star area in Kaohsiung. Today, the fishing industry has transformed into tourism, and Shaochuantou has become a marina specifically for yachts, while the scenic park is home to various coastal plants and waterfront facilities for visitors to enjoy leisurely strolls. Standing in the marina area, one can feel the gentle sea breeze and admire the unique various yachts as well as the ferries crossing back and forth, all while taking in views of Qijin Mountain and the lighthouse, making it the best spot to appreciate the majestic scenery of the harbor city, whether under the blue sky and the ocean during the day or the golden sunset at dusk, radiating endless leisure and romantic vibes. The Shaochuantou Mountain Fortress can be accessed via the hiking trail from the small park across from Alley 30 on Anchuan Street. Following the scenic path leading up from the residence of the British Consulate, it takes less than a minute to reach. The Shibawang Temple, situated on a prominent ridge at the entrance to Kaohsiung Harbor, offers a wide and beautiful view. The temple architecture retains traditional Minnan style, and there is a steep and treacherous staircase leading up to it, rumored to test believers with "only the sincere may ascend." According to an inscription in the temple, during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, eighteen Chinese merchants crossed the sea to Taiwan and landed at present-day Xiziwan to cultivate the land, but were viewed as rebels and collectively executed. The nearby residents, recognizing the spirit of these eighteen ancestors, gathered their remains and built a shrine for worship, marking the earliest origins of the Wangong Temple. During the Japanese occupation, to develop Kaohsiung Harbor, they excavated the present-day mountain cave at Xiziwan. However, the project faced difficulties, resulting in many casualties. After local residents suggested that the Japanese government offer incense and pray to the 18 Wangong for blessings, the project was completed successfully. Consequently, local people pooled resources to construct the earliest Shibawang Temple on the site of what is now National Sun Yat-sen University’s sports field, which was later moved to its present site on the ridge in 1984, coinciding with the establishment of the university. As more people began to come to Xiziwan to admire the sea at night, the temple's patronage increased significantly. Xiongzhen Beimen was initially built during the Zheng period, and during the Qing Dynasty, a French engineer was hired to construct a Western-style fortress. The walls were made of rammed earth and red bricks, working in tandem with the Weizhen Tiannan Fort at Cijin to guard Kaohsiung Harbor and control essential maritime passages. It was also a crucial transportation route from Cijin to the old city of Fengshan during the Qing Dynasty. Recently, it has been reconstructed into a historic park, making it the best spot to overlook Xiziwan and observe the vessels coming in and out of the harbor.
