Cihou Fort

Kaohsiung Attractions

旗后砲台3

Once a military stronghold guarding Kaohsiung Port, standing on the elevated fort platform offers an unobstructed view of the beautiful harbor of Kaohsiung.

Address：Qihou Mountain, Qijin District, Kaohsiung City 805

Cihou Fort Introduction

Cihou Fort is located on Cihou Mountain at the northernmost point of Cijin, guarding the entrance to Kaohsiung Harbor. Its strategic geographical position has made it a military stronghold since ancient times. During the early Qing dynasty, there were stationed troops and a fort was established. After the Mudan Incident in 1874, under the policy of strengthening maritime defense, the Qing government built new-style forts at three locations: Cihou (middle level), Shaochuantou (lower level), and Chai Mountain (upper level) to comprehensively protect the safety of Kaohsiung Harbor. Cihou Fort is the largest and best-preserved of the three forts, located on the southern side of Cihou Mountain, in a distant view with the Cihou Lighthouse on the northern side. Cihou Fort features a design that combines both Chinese and Western styles, constructed with red bricks and adorned with many traditional decorative patterns such as the opposing 'double happiness' characters and bats. The entire area is divided into a training ground, a large cannon area, and a command area. The entrance bears the inscription "Weizhen Tian Nan," echoing Shaochuantou's "Xiongzhen Beimen." During the Boshin War, it was bombarded by Japanese ships, and traces of the battle damage are still visible today. The high altitude of the fort provides an advantageous position for greater potential and kinetic energy, making the location of the fort undoubtedly a place with excellent scenery. Besides exploring the layout of late Qing military architecture, visitors to Cihou Fort can enjoy an unobstructed view of the breakwater extending into the sea from the first harbor, the popular Cijin Beach, the skyline of Kaohsiung City, and the unique sight of "big ships entering the port."

Historical Sites

Cihou Fort Travel Information

Address：Qihou Mountain, Qijin District, Kaohsiung City 805

Transportation Methods：High-Speed Rail: Take the High-Speed Rail to Zuoying Station, then transfer to other public transport options. Metro: Take the metro to Sizihwan Station, transfer to bus routes 248, 31, or Wufu Line to Gushan Ferry Station, and take the ferry to Cijin. Bus: Take Kaohsiung City Bus Route 248 from in front of Kaohsiung Train Station to Gushan Ferry Station, then transfer to the ferry to Cijin Ferry Station, and walk or ride a scooter to your destination. Take Kaohsiung City Bus Route 31, Coastal Bus, Wufu Line, or High-Speed Rail Gudu Bus to Gushan Ferry Station, then transfer to the ferry to Cijin.

Other Nearby Attractions： Kaohsiung Lighthouse (Cijin Chihou Lighthouse) 、 Qihou Church 、 Qijin Beach 、 Cijin Tianhou Temple 、 Cijin Sunset Bar 、 Dagou British Consulate Cultural Park 、 Shashan Fort (Xiziwan) 、 Kaohsiung Hamasen Da Tien Temple 、 Xiziwan Scenic Area 、 West Coast Bicycle Trail