Sheliao East Fort, Artillery battery on coastal hill in Keelung, Taiwan.
Sheliao East Fort is a stone fortification built on elevated coastal ground above Keelung harbor. The structure spreads across multiple levels with gun emplacements and defensive walls that command views over the water and harbor entrance.
The fort was built during the late Qing Dynasty and underwent major reconstruction under Japanese rule between 1895 and 1945. A significant restoration occurred in 1924 when the occupiers adapted the defense system to their own military standards.
The structure bears visible marks of different occupations, with architectural details reflecting how various powers adapted the same military site. You can observe these overlapping influences in the stonework and layout as you walk through the fortification.
The site is open to visitors year-round and can be reached by local transportation from central Keelung. Wear sturdy shoes since the paths are steep and uneven as you climb toward the fort.
Wild vegetation and plants now grow across sections of the fortification, creating an interesting contrast between military stone and living nature. This gradual reclaiming of the site by the landscape offers a striking visual experience.
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