Kaohsiung British Consulate at Takao Cultural Park Introduction
The Takao British Consulate Cultural Park includes three main areas: the consulate residence on the hill, the consulate office at the foot of the hill, and the ancient hiking trail, marking the first consulate built by the British government in Taiwan. It is also the only consulate park in Taiwan to have preserved both the residence and the office intact, which was designated as a national historic site by the Ministry of Culture in 2019. The consulate residence was built in 1879 and is located on a small hill overlooking the port, making it the oldest existing Western-style modern building in Taiwan and the first consulate established by the British government in the country. The office at the foot of the hill is adjacent to the customs office, facilitating consular functions and commercial trade, and is equipped with a police station and jail cells. The park preserves a complete ancient hiking trail that connects the residence and the consulate, featuring well-maintained stone steps, allowing visitors to walk from the office to the residence via the ancient path. Witnessing the evolution of colonial architectural styles in Taiwan, the establishment of the consulate came after the signing of the Treaty of Tientsin in 1858, which forced Taiwan to gradually open commercial ports. Seeking to expand its economic interests in Taiwan, the UK set up a consulate in Takao, which was completed and put into operation in 1879. The residence was designed by a British architect, characterized by continuous semicircular arches that give the entire building a rhythmic appearance. The smaller arches at the corners and the larger columns are a demonstration of structural integrity, while the bamboo joint-style downspouts are features typical of Western-style buildings during the late Qing Dynasty. The office at the foot of the hill, however, exhibits a colonial-style verandah architecture, prominently structured in three sections: roof, body, and base. In terms of design, the facade emphasizes symmetry, and the corridor is an important characteristic, likely influenced by colonial-style buildings in Shanghai. Touching each red brick of the Takao British Consulate residence evokes the traces of time; history is in your hands, with the beautiful scenery of Kaohsiung at your feet, at this junction of mountains and sea, offering a panoramic view of stunning landscapes. One of the eight scenic spots in Kaohsiung is "Xizi Sunset," with the best time to visit the consulate residence suggested to be from afternoon to evening. Looking east, the magnificent view of the entire Kaohsiung port area is in full view, with the Kaohsiung 85 Tower and the Dream Mall Ferris wheel creating a lively and colorful modern scene; to the south, a distant view of Cijin Fishing Port can be seen, with fishing boats and ferries shuttling back and forth, occasionally accompanied by the sound of whistles, creating a tranquil and leisurely atmosphere. Looking westward reveals "Xizi Sunset," one of the eight scenic spots in Kaohsiung, which can be peaceful yet grand at times. The park also features dining and leisure options, allowing visitors to enjoy meals and tea, adding a new romantic charm to the ancient architecture.
