Cenotaph for Martyrs of Sino-French War in Keelung

The Cenotaph for Martyrs of the Sino-French War in Keelung is a memorial site in Zhengsha Village built with traditional Taiwanese architectural forms. The grounds display classical design elements and serve today as a remembrance space for soldiers from the 1884-1885 conflict.

The monument was built in 1890 by the crew of the French ship L'Inconstant to remember the war in which over 700 French soldiers died in Keelung. Local authorities later granted the memorial protection and official recognition.

The site originated as a French burial ground and was later transformed into a memorial space. Today visitors can see how locals use this place both to remember the past and as a gathering point for the community.

The site is freely accessible year-round with no entrance fee required. Local transportation options make it straightforward to reach the grounds.

The memorial was built by sailors of a French warship who decided to create a lasting remembrance at the location itself. This personal initiative by ordinary crew members resulted in a place that still speaks to their determination today.