Ershawan Fort Keelung
Historic Qing Dynasty fort offering stunning Keelung Harbor views and a glimpse into Taiwan's past defenses.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light & fewer crowds
Ershawan Fort Keelung
Best Time
Best light & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Qing Dynasty fort offering stunning Keelung Harbor views and a glimpse into Taiwan's past defenses.
"Beautiful ocean views, and a fascinating historical site to wander around and explore."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths and stairs can be slippery; good footwear is essential for safe exploration.
📸 Capture the Views
The harbor vistas are stunning, especially during golden hour. Bring your camera!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Harbor Views
Upper ramparts
Breathtaking vistas of Keelung Harbor, offering a glimpse into its strategic past.
Qing Dynasty Fortifications
Main fort area
Explore the remnants of this 1840s fort, a testament to Taiwan's historical defenses.
Replica Cannons
Fort grounds
See impressive replica cannons that once guarded the harbor, adding to the historical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views
Navigating the Fort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths and stairs can be slippery; good footwear is essential for safe exploration.
📸 Capture the Views
The harbor vistas are stunning, especially during golden hour. Bring your camera!
🚶♂️ Explore the Ruins
Wander through the historic fort remnants and imagine its past defenses.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially on warmer days, carry water as you explore the open fort grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths and stairs can be slippery; good footwear is essential for safe exploration.
📸 Capture the Views
The harbor vistas are stunning, especially during golden hour. Bring your camera!
🚶♂️ Explore the Ruins
Wander through the historic fort remnants and imagine its past defenses.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially on warmer days, carry water as you explore the open fort grounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ershawan Fort for its beautiful ocean views and historical significance, offering a glimpse into Keelung's past defenses. While the remnants and replica cannons are interesting, some reviewers note that the site could benefit from better maintenance, particularly regarding slippery paths and stairs.
"Beautiful ocean views, and a fascinating historical site to wander around and explore. Ershawan Fort (aka Ershawan battery or Tenable Gate of the Sea 海門天險), is a Qing Dynasty era fort that once guarded Keelung Harbor among a network of other forts. For a brief time was taken over by the French during the Sino-French War. Now it stands as a wonderfully preserved monument to the past, with great views of Keelung Harbor.
Background:
Ershawan Fort started as a seaside fortification in 1840 as a response to the First Opium War. During the war, a British ship called the Nerbudda fired on the fort, destroying one of the soldier dorm rooms. The ship later bottomed out on a coral reef and the sailors were imprisoned.
In August of 1884, 5 French ships under direction of general S. N. J. Lespes attacked the forts at Keelung, attacking from the side. Because the cannons in Ershawan Fort could not rotate, they were useless against the ships. Most of the canons and gunpowder were destroyed or exploded. The next day the French Forces invaded Keelung with a force of about 500 men. They made a cemetery nearby for their men, which was later moved to Ershawan Fort were it still remains to this day."
jay victor
"Remnants of Western style fort built in 1886 late in the Quin Dynasty. One of three forts designed to defend Keelung Harbour from attack. Interesting and photogenic part of Taiwanese history. Worth a visit."
Scott Ward
"Great views from here. Historic place too, but could be maintained much better. Do not use the stairs up/down from city, extremely slippery, nearly impossible to walk and seems no one cares at the city to do something about it for very long time."
Stefan Kirmse
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ershawan Fort is conveniently located near Zhongzheng Park in Keelung. You can reach it by local bus or taxi from Keelung city center. Some visitors mention that stairs from the city can be extremely slippery and difficult to navigate, so consider alternative routes or modes of transport.
Limited parking may be available near Zhongzheng Park, but it's often easier to use public transport or a taxi to reach the fort area, especially during peak times.
It's a moderate walk from Keelung Train Station, approximately 20-30 minutes. Be aware that some routes involve inclines and potentially slippery stairs, as noted by visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ershawan Fort is generally free to enter, making it an accessible historical site for all visitors.
The fort is typically open during daylight hours, though specific times may vary. It's best to check local information closer to your visit.
No advance booking is usually required as entry is free. You can typically visit spontaneously during its open hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the remnants of the Qing Dynasty fort, including walls, structures, and replica cannons. The site also offers beautiful views of Keelung Harbor.
Yes, there are paths to wander through the fort grounds. However, some areas, particularly stairs, can be very slippery and require caution.
Basic facilities might be available, but it's advisable to use restrooms before arriving or at nearby parks like Zhongzheng Park, as amenities within the fort itself can be limited.
A visit typically takes 1-2 hours, allowing time to explore the ruins, enjoy the views, and take photos.
Due to the historical nature and terrain, wheelchair accessibility may be limited. Some main paths might be navigable, but many areas involve uneven surfaces and stairs.
📸 📸 Photography
The ramparts overlooking Keelung Harbor offer stunning panoramic shots. The replica cannons against the backdrop of the sea are also very photogenic.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best natural light for photography, creating a softer, more atmospheric feel.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and areas with public access. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a clear day to maximize the enjoyment of the harbor views. Bringing snacks and water is recommended, as amenities within the fort itself are limited. It's a good opportunity to teach children about local history in a visually stimulating environment, but ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear for the uneven terrain.
🚶♂️ History Buffs & Photographers
Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture stunning images. The panoramic views of Keelung Harbor are particularly striking, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The interplay of historical structures, the sea, and the city skyline provides a unique and atmospheric photographic subject. Remember to wear sturdy shoes to navigate the grounds safely and explore different angles for the best shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance of Ershawan Fort
Beyond its military history, Ershawan Fort also bears witness to the human cost of conflict. A cemetery for French soldiers was established nearby and later moved to the fort grounds, where it remains to this day. Exploring the fort offers a chance to connect with this layered history, from defensive strategies to the lives impacted by war. The remnants of Western-style fort architecture from 1886 further highlight the evolving military engineering of the era.
Exploring the Fort Grounds and Views
The most celebrated aspect of Ershawan Fort, however, is its spectacular vantage point. Perched overlooking Keelung Harbor, the fort offers breathtaking panoramic views. These vistas are particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset, providing photographers and sightseers with incredible opportunities. While the historical remnants are compelling, the expansive ocean views are a major draw, offering a sense of peace and reflection on the strategic importance of this location throughout history.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit