Anping Lighthouse📍 landmark
This prominent coastal navigation beacon features a sturdy tower design to mark the entrance to the busy harbor.
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Eternal Golden Castle
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historical-site
The Eternal Golden Castle, also known as Ershanshou Fortress, is a significant historical defensive structure located in Tainan, Taiwan. It was constructed between 1874 and 1876 by Shen Baozhen, a Qing Dynasty official, in response to the Mudan Incident and the threat of Japanese invasion. The fort is recognized as the first modern Western-style fortress in Taiwan, designed by French engineers to incorporate contemporary military architecture. It features a square layout with protruding bastions at the corners and was originally armed with advanced British Armstrong cannons to guard the coast. The facility is surrounded by a moat, and access is gained through a distinctive red-brick arched gateway. Today, the area functions as a historical park where visitors can view replicas of the original cannons and explore the transformation of Taiwan's military defenses in the late 19th century.
- Location: Taiwan
- Top sights: Anping Lighthouse · Moon Bay · LeLi Bridge
- Nearby: Tainan (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 20 | 21 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 24 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 39 | 31 | 48 | 79 | 223 | 344 | 289 | 441 | 242 | 72 | 49 | 34 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Eternal Golden Castle in Tainan is a 19th-century historic fortress and is open to visitors. You can freely explore the preserved walls and cannon emplacements on the grounds.
Typical hours
The fortress is typically open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Please check current opening hours on the official Taiwan Ministry of Culture website before your visit.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the fortress grounds. Use the early morning light for atmospheric shots of the old cannons and brick walls.
Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for a walk around the grounds and fortifications. If you also visit the small museum on site, it can take up to 1 hour.
Combine with
The Eternal Golden Castle is in Tainan, near other historic sites like Chihkan Tower and the Confucius Temple. Anping Harbor is also worth a visit.
Getting there
The fortress is easily reachable by bus or taxi from Tainan city center. The nearest bus stop is 'Yonghua Community', a 5-minute walk away.
Insider tip
Visit the fortress in the late afternoon when the sun is lower and shadows make the defenses more sculptural. Bring water as it can be very hot in Taiwan.
Geography
Facts
- Construction began in 1874 under the leadership of Shen Baozhen.
- It was the first fortress in Taiwan built to Western military standards.
- Some bricks used for construction were reclaimed from Fort Zeelandia.
- Originally equipped with five massive 18-ton Armstrong cannons.
- The fortress covers a total area of approximately 3 hectares.
- Designated as a first-class national historical monument in 1975.
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Sights in the town Eternal Golden Castle (5)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Eternal Golden Castle?
A historic coastal fortress from the 19th century.
What can be seen there?
Old cannons, defensive walls, and a moat.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the spacious grounds are well-suited for exploration.
What are the ticket prices?
Admission is very affordable.
Is the visit weather-dependent?
Since it is an outdoor facility, one should consider the weather.
Eternal Golden Castle: where is it located?
Eternal Golden Castle is located in Taiwan.
Eternal Golden Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Anping Lighthouse, Moon Bay, LeLi Bridge.
Eternal Golden Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Eternal Golden Castle: why is it worth visiting?
The Eternal Golden Castle, also known as Ershanshou Fortress, is a significant historical defensive structure located in Tainan, Taiwan.
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