North Gate of Xiong Town, Historical gate in Gushan District, Taiwan
The North Gate of Xiong Town is a fortified structure in Kaohsiung that displays traditional Qing-era elements and overlooks Sizihwan Bay. The building features thick walls and gun ports that clearly show its age and original military purpose.
The gate was built in 1875 during the Qing Dynasty to protect Takao Harbor. It played a role in the First Sino-Japanese War of 1895, when the harbor became involved in fighting.
The gate reveals how people lived here during late Qing times and kept watch over the bay. Its position right by the water made it important both for daily trade and defense at the same time.
The gate sits on high ground overlooking the water and is fairly easy to reach on foot. The best time to visit is morning or late afternoon, when light is better and it feels less hot.
The gate still retains its original curved gun mounts, showing where cannons once sat. During the Japanese occupation, the cannons themselves were removed, but these traces of firepower remain visible.
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