Xiyu West Terrace Introduction
Xiyu West Fort is a fort built by Liu Ming-chu during the Qing Dynasty. With the onset of the Sino-French War in 1885, French Admiral Courbet led the Far East fleet to attack the Taiwan and Penghu Islands, resulting in the fall of Penghu. After the Sino-French negotiations, Liu Ming-chu planned Taiwan's defense and requested the establishment of a general officer in Penghu to strengthen its defenses. A fort was constructed on the high ground between Wai'an and Nei'an in Xiyu, equipped with four new Armstrong rifled cannons, followed by the addition of Xiyu East Fort on the high ground of Nei'an the following year. Xiyu West Fort is impressively large, with construction being quite arduous, and it was completed in the 15th year of the Guangxu era. Xiyu West Fort features a concave design, surrounded by inner and outer walls, with stone platforms on which cannons are placed, arranged in a zigzag pattern. The entrance has two archways along the inner walkway, with the inscription "Xiyu West Fort" above the first archway. This fort is currently the most well-preserved and historically significant century-old fort in Taiwan. Many people may not notice that Xiyu West Fort has been a filming location for many famous stars' music videos. For instance, Jay Chou sang "Don't Say" with a Cantonese accent while walking up the castle steps beside the agave, beautifully matched with the poignant lyrics of the song. The plant featured in the video, the silver wattle, can be seen throughout Penghu. Additionally, the MTV for "Really Afraid" was also filmed at Xiyu West Fort. Can you find the clues? In Elva Hsiao's "Love and Love" MV, the main character walks up the castle steps beside the agave as clouds pass overhead, creating a uniquely ancient and mysterious atmosphere. Wu Sike's "The One I Love Most" was also filmed at Xiyu West Fort, featuring clowns, dancers, and musicians along with Wu Sike's enchanting voice, surely familiar to those born in the '70s and '80s. Ticket Price Information: General Ticket: Weekdays NT$25, Holidays NT$30 Half-price (students, military, police): Weekdays NT$15, Holidays NT$20 Group Ticket (more than 20 people): Weekdays NT$20, Holidays NT$25 Free Admission: 1. Holders of Disability Certificates and one accompanying person can enter for free. 2. Children under kindergarten age, seniors over 70, retired military, civil servants, and holders of honorary service cards issued by agencies are eligible for free admission. 3. Residents registered in this township are eligible for free admission. *Note: Free admission for children under kindergarten age does not require certificates; others must present identification.
