Fort San Salvador, Colonial fort on Hoping Island, Taiwan.
Fort San Salvador is a fortification on Hoping Island along Taiwan's northeastern coast. Its thick stone walls and bastions offer wide views over the sea.
Dutch traders erected the fortress between 1624 and 1626 to control maritime commerce. They later used the location as a base for dealings with Japanese merchants and local communities.
The name reflects Spanish influence, though the Dutch built and operated the structure. Walking through its passages today reveals European construction methods adapted to Taiwan's rocky coastline.
The site is reachable on foot from ferry piers on Hoping Island. Some areas stand on uneven ground, so sturdy footwear helps and allow time for breaks.
The island sits near the meeting point of warm and cold ocean currents, making the harbor an important stopover. This fact also explains the rich marine life around the fortification.
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