Su'ao Fortress

Su'ao Fortress is a military installation built atop a coastal highland on Taiwan's eastern shore, positioned at roughly 200 meters in elevation. Stone constructions form the main structures, with walls and viewing points that look out toward the Pacific and the fishing harbor below.

The fortress was built in 1889 during Japan's colonial rule of Taiwan, designed to defend the eastern coast against potential naval attacks. Its construction reflected military planning to strengthen coastal defenses across the island during that era.

The fortress served as a bridge between the local community and military authority for many decades, shaping how people viewed defense and safety in the region. Visitors can still sense this shared history by observing how the structure sits above the town and fishing harbor, watching over both.

The site sits along a coastal ridge that requires climbing to reach the summit structures, so wear sturdy footwear and allow time for the ascent. Combining a visit here with nearby attractions in Suao township helps make the most of a day trip to the area.

From its position, the fortress offers a rare vantage where the open ocean and the busy fishing harbor below appear as two distinct elements under a single gaze. This dual view explains why the location once held such importance for monitoring maritime activity.

Location: Suao

Inception: 1889

Elevation above the sea: 200 m

GPS coordinates: 24.59333,121.85689

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:40