aeeble

When it comes to historic sites in Tamsui, the Red Hair Castle is probably the first thing that comes to mind. However, just a 15-minute walk from the Red Hair Castle, there is an ancient fort, the Huwei Fort, which was built in 1886. The fort was constructed under the supervision of Liu Mingchuan, the first Taiwan governor, and was an important military stronghold in defending Tamsui Port. Although the large cannons are no longer present, the outer walls and remaining cannon sites still reflect its significance a century ago. In 1985, it was officially designated as a national historic site, a Class II monument. The fort's elevated location and sturdy construction make it an impressive military fortress, representing the best of 19th-century warfare and garrison architecture. It is also an important coastal defense facility from the Qing dynasty. The Huwei Fort was one of ten forts built to strengthen Taiwan's coastal defenses after the Qing-French War. In 1886, Taiwan Governor Liu Mingchuan hired German engineer Barnes to build these forts based on Western models. The Huwei Fort is situated on the first of the Five Tiger Mounds in Tamsui, offering a panoramic view of the Tamsui River estuary and the Guandu Bridge. Unfortunately, the view is now obstructed by trees. The fort is situated with its back to the north and faces south. To the west is the New Taipei City Martyrs' Shrine, to the east is the Taiwan Golf Club, and to the north is the Yunmen Dance Village.