The Eternal Golden Castle, also called Erkunshen Battery, is a coastal fort in Anping, Tainan. Qing officials built it in the mid-1870s after Japanese troops landed in southern Taiwan, and it is the island's first modern fort in the Western style. Walk the walls, which rise from massive bastions at the corners above a moat, and look at the cannons on display. Most of the site is outdoors, so a clear day suits the visit. It sits inside Yizai Park, a few minutes from the Deyang Ship Destroyer.
Why the fort was built
The fort was built in response to the 1874 Mudan Incident, when Japanese troops landed in southern Taiwan. The Qing official Shen Baozhen was sent to strengthen the island's defenses and ordered the construction. Work ran from 1874 to 1876, and the fort is also known as Anping Great Fort.
The design was drawn up by French engineers. Its guns were imported, including British Armstrong cannons and pieces from Germany, which made it the first modern fort of its kind in Taiwan.
Inside the fort
The walls are high and thick, and the four sides end in large bastions. A moat surrounds the structure and made any attack on the walls harder. Walking the walls gives the clearest view of the layout.
The cannons on the grounds are mostly replicas. One of the smaller guns is genuine. Displays also include archaeological digs and a training ground. At certain times of the day, live cannon firings take place.
A free Mandarin-language tour runs every two hours. Check the schedule on arrival if you want a guided explanation.
From fort to park
The fort was used during the First Sino-Japanese War. The Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895 ceded Taiwan to Japan. The design was already considered dated when the fort was finished, and it did not hold out for long.
Today the fort is a national historic site inside Yizai Park. On weekends, many local families walk the fortifications and sit by the water. Paddle boats can be rented on the moat. An archery activity was held here around Lunar New Year, so check for events before you visit.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Admission is NT$70.
How long do you need at the Eternal Golden Castle?
A walk around the walls and the cannons usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Where can you park?
There is a free parking lot, a paid parking lot and paid street parking nearby.
