aeeble

Xizihwan is famous for its magnificent sunset and natural rocky shores. The area includes scenic attractions such as the Xizihwan Seashore Bathing Area, the Xizihwan Marine Park, the British Consulate of Takau, and others. Visitors can enjoy sea views and overlook Kaohsiung Port. The Seashore Bathing Area exhibits a tropical atmosphere and southern charm. In the evenings, when night falls and the sun sets in the horizon, fishermen’s lanterns sparkle among the waters, presenting a stunning vision of sea meeting sky. The "Western Sun at Xizihwan" is among Kaohsiung’s "Eight Viewscapes," and at dusk, the stone railing built along the shore becomes the perfect spot for enjoying the twilight. Close to Xizihwan sits the "Xiong Zhen Bei Men" (Sentinel Battery) Gate, a large character inscription with bold, powerful strokes. Built in 1871 during Emperor Guangxu’s era of the Qing dynasty, it is now a city-designated historical site. Together with the nearby Qizhou Battery, this defense structure was constructed at the same time to form a strategic link, with the large artillery no longer in existence and only the arc-shaped cannons remaining as reminders of old. The Xizihwan Tourist Information Center (Sentinel Head Park) is located at the intersection of Guoshan Street and Anshan Street, where the other side of the river faces Gushan Ferry Terminal. The Hamahsing area, where this park is situated, boasts natural resources and historical attractions. The park has an area of 0.63 hectares and features views of the Gushan ferry traffic, Kaohsiung Port, and the 85 Building. Within Sentinel Head Park, the "Xizihwan Tourist Information Center" stands with a unique architectural design. It attracts attention whether viewed from land or sea. In combination with Kaohsiung Port, the Exhibition Hall, and Kaohsiung's iconic 85 Building, the center has become another key landmark in Kaohsiung Port. In addition to its attention-grabbing exterior, the Xizihwan Tourist Information Center also provides a range of services, such as traveler information, handicraft products, and local cultural exhibitions. This space gives visitors a place to rest and explore regional culture and customs. Xizihwan is one of Kaohsiung’s renowned summer retreats. At the entrance of Xizihwan, a white "zigzag" stairway is positioned on the hillside right next to the entrance, clearly marked amidst lush greenery. Ascending its steps, visitors take in both mountain and ocean views and experience a spiritual journey akin to a pilgrimage. The British Consulate of Takau was built in 1879. The consulate is located at the edge of the nearby harbor while the residence was situated on a small hill, facing the sea and backed by mountains, and represents the oldest surviving Western-style building in Taiwan. It is also the first British Consulate in Taiwan. This complex consists of the well-preserved residence, consulate building, and an interconnected historical trail. Touching each brick of the British Consulate of Takau residence evokes a connection to history and the natural beauty of Kaohsiung under your feet. The entire area at this junction of mountains and sea offers a panoramic view. We recommend visiting the Consulate residence in the afternoon until sunset. Looking east, the view offers a sweeping display of Kaohsiung Port’s grandeur, including the 85 Building and Dream Time Ferris Wheel, forming a modern urban art piece. Looking south, the sight reaches out to the fishing port at Jizhou as fishing boats and ferries pass by with occasional horn sounds that add to a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. When facing west, the "Western Sun at Xizihwan," one of Taiwan's Eight Scenic Beauties, reveals either a calm, unchanging scene or a vast and dramatic coastline. The complex is integrated with leisure dining facilities and allows people to enjoy meals or a traditional tea house experience. This historical architecture brings forth a new romantic flair. Sentinel Head Cruise Wharf is located at the intersection of Guoshan Street and Anshan Street in Dashu District, next to Sentinel Head Observation Park. A pedestrian bridge connects it to the bustling Gushan Ferry Terminal, yet the atmosphere remains relaxing and quiet. "Sentinel" refers to patrol boats, and originally known as "Sentinel Town," the area was the key harbor of early Hamahsing. Now transformed into a tourist-oriented fishery area, the wharf is dedicated to docking luxury yachts. The surrounding park is filled with coastal vegetation and waterside facilities to welcome visitors. Standing on the wharf, visitors can enjoy the view of elegant yachts and ferry boats while looking at the majestic view of Qizhou Hill, lighthouse, and Kaohsiung Port. Whether during the day with a clear blue sky and sea or in the evening under golden hues of sunset, the setting exudes endless charm and romance. To reach the Sentinel Battery located next to the small park on Anshan Street Lane 30, enter through a trail adjacent to the British Consulate's landscape path, which offers a view of the hill in under a minute of walk. The Eighteen Lords Temple presides over a beautiful and expansive vantage on a coastal promontory at the entrance of Kaohsiung Port. The temple building preserves traditional Min-style architecture. The steps leading to the temple are steep and steeped in a saying that "no sincerity, no ascent," testing the devotion of the faithful. Historical records indicate that in the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty, 18 Chinese merchants crossed the sea to this location, now Xizihwan, and were executed as rebels. Local people, impressed by the spirits of these pioneers, gathered their remains and built a shrine, marking the origin of the temple. During the Japanese occupation, the Japanese government began excavating the modern Xizihwan tunnel to develop Kaohsiung Port, but the project had severe setbacks with many casualties. After locals suggested seeking the blessing of the Eighteen Lords, the project was completed safely. Subsequently, local residents funded the original Eighteen Lords Temple, built on what is now the National Sun Yat-sen University sports field. In the 1980s, when the university expanded, the temple was relocated to its current seaside site. As nighttime visitors to Xizihwan have increased, so has the temple’s popularity. "Xiong Zhen Bei Men" was initially constructed during the Zheng family era with a French engineer hired during the Qing dynasty to build the Western-style battery. The walls were constructed from a lime-sand-clay compound and red bricks. Together with the "Fearsome South Battery" at Jizhou, it secured Kaohsiung Port to control strategic coastal areas. It was also a critical transportation hub from Qizhou to Fenchang Old City. Recently restored as a historic park, it is the perfect vantage point for viewing far-away Xizihwan and close-up views of ships passing through the port.