Tapung Old Fort, Mountain fort in Jianshi, Taiwan
Tapung Old Fort is a military fort in the mountains of Jianshi, Taiwan, built on a rectangular plan with walls made from clay and local stone. The remains include sections of the outer walls and small openings spaced around the perimeter.
Japanese forces built this fort in 1912 as part of a campaign to extend control over the mountain region. Construction followed a period of armed conflict with indigenous communities over access to these highlands.
The fort stands on land traditionally belonging to the Atayal people, who have lived in these mountains for centuries. The layout of the remaining walls shows how the position was chosen to watch over the mountain paths used by local communities.
Getting to the fort requires a hike of several hours over steep terrain, so sturdy footwear and enough water are necessary from the start. There are no facilities along the way, so bring everything you need before leaving the trailhead.
The fort's walls were built without mortar, meaning the clay and stone blocks were held together only by their own weight and careful arrangement. This technique allowed the structure to be raised quickly using only materials found nearby.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
