Cihou Fort, Military fort in Cijin District, Taiwan
Cihou Fort is a stone and brick fortification on Cihou Mountain in Taiwan that commands the entrance to Kaohsiung Harbor from its elevated position at 22 meters (72 feet). The structure connects several gun emplacements through underground tunnels and features thick walls embedded into the rocky mountain slope.
Originally built as a wooden palisade in 1720, the fortification was rebuilt with stone and brick between 1874 and 1876 when Qing officials modernized coastal defenses. Japanese warships shelled the structure in 1895 during the takeover of Taiwan, leaving damage still visible in the walls today.
The name dates back to the Qing period and refers to its position guarding the harbor mouth. The interior vaulted ceilings display traditional brickwork featuring red bat tiles, symbols of good fortune in Chinese culture.
From Sizihwan station, a ferry takes travelers to Cijin Island, followed by a short but steep climb to the site. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the paved paths can be slippery in places and the upper part of the fortification sits on uneven terrain.
The original Armstrong cannons are long gone, but the cast iron gun pivots remain in place, allowing visitors to trace the exact firing angles across the sea. On clear days, the western bastion offers a direct view of modern container ships passing through the same channel the structure once defended.
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