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Fort San Domingo

Culture
Museums

Fort San Domingo (淡水紅毛城), located in Tamsui, was once called ""Hong Mao Chen"" by the local Han Chinese residents due to its association with the Dutch. Later, the British refurbished the fort as a consulate office, transforming it into a unique blend of military and diplomatic purposes. The two-story red brick building exhibits typical British colonial architecture with a touch of Chinese elements, offering a glimpse into the life of a consul. In addition to the fort, the former British Consular Residence, built in the late 19th century, now serves as a museum showcasing the consulate's history. Visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River from the lookout, especially at sunset.

Please note that Fort San Domingo (淡水紅毛城) is closed on the first Monday of the month (or the following working day if Monday is a public holiday), Chinese New Year’s Eve, and Chinese New Year’s Day, as well as other specific days announced separately.

Phone

+886-2-26231001

Address

No. 1, Lane 28, Zhongzheng Road, Danshui district, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan (R.O.C)

Business hours

Sunday - Monday 01:30 - 10:00
Tuesday - Saturday 01:30 - 09:00

Fort San Domingo - Transportation

Public Transportation

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Nearby

Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf

Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf (淡水漁人碼頭) is a great choice for a romantic and charming night view in Taipei! Walking on the long pathway of the observation deck, you can enjoy excellent scenery along the way, especially when watching the sunset gradually sink and then seeing the lights come on, a view not seen elsewhere.

During the Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day), there is a limited-time light and water show with music near the wharf, providing visitors with a new and exciting experience! On the streets next to the wharf, there are restaurants and businesses open on weekends, making it very pleasant to stroll around, eat, and enjoy the sea breeze. (On weekdays, there are fewer shops open.)

Unlike the crowded streets of Tamsui Old Street, Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf (淡水漁人碼頭) has easier parking and fewer crowds. You can take the recently opened Danhai Light Rail or a bus to and from Tamsui Old Street. Also, be aware that during the summer, the sun shines brightly during the day, so remember to use sunscreen and stay hydrated.

ActivityNightAttractions

Fort San Domingo

Attractions

Tamsui Church

After arriving in Tamsui in 1872 to lead the first Canadian Presbyterian mission to the island, George Leslie Mackay would become a highly influential figure in Northern Taiwan’s history. Mackay spent the rest of his life among the local Chinese immigrant and aborginal Taiwanese in Tamsui area until his death in 1901. Known as the Black Bearded Barbarian of Taiwan, Mackay is revered for the range of contributions he made to the country in the areas of religion, Western medicine, education, and anthropological research. Two of the most noteworthy of these was creating the first written form of the Taiwanese language, and using this Latin script of the language to publish the first printed newspaper in Taiwan.

He first started his religious mission in rental houses. Later on, a church was built when his followers grew. The present Tamsui Church (淡水禮拜堂) was renovated under the supervision of Mackay’s son, George William Mackay in 1933. Because of its distinctive appearance, Tamsui Church not only gathers hundreds of worshippers every week, but has also become a popular spot for photography lovers.

Attractions

Aletheia University

Aletheia University has something of a “western” history. When Canadian Presbyterian missionary Rev. Dr. George Leslie Mackay landed in Tamsui in 1872, he commenced his missionary work of providing health care and education in Taiwan by establishing a small school on a hill in Tamsui. In order to thank the residents of his hometown in Oxford County, Ontario for their contributions, Rev. Dr. George Leslie Mackay named the school Oxford College, which was the predecessor of Aletheia University. Perhaps the feature most worth a look at this missionary-built school is the western dormer windows under the Taiwanese-style red tiled roof. Eastern and western architectural elements have been beautifully combined in this school, making it an ideal setting for the teaching of theology and anatomy. The campus also features many European architectural elements, making it a pleasant destination for anyone interested in taking a stroll while appreciating a little-seen architectural style in Taiwan. The Taiwanese pop singer Jay Chou famously shot the film “The Secret That Cannot Be Told” here. Watch his film after a visit here for an interesting comparison of his own interpretation of the place with your own!

Attractions

Tamsui Customs Officer’s Residence

After Taiwan was forced to open to foreign trade in the early 1860s, foreigners soon poured in for business. The Qing government established a customs office in Tamsui following the opening of Tamsui Port and employed foreigners to take charge of it. The present Tamsui Customs Officer’s Residence (前清淡水關稅務司官邸) is the only remaining one of the three residences built after 1869 for these foreign officers.

Due to its ash white appearance, this beautiful colonial-style building was nicknamed xiǎo báigōng (小白宮), meaning the “Little White House” in Chinese. Along with its peaceful yard and special exhibitions, the Little White House provides an ideal afternoon retreat after visiting the crowded Tamsui Old Street.

Attractions

Guanyinshan Tough Guy Peak

The name, Tough Guy Peak, is derived from the fact that, you have to overcome a long stair to the peak to prove yourselves as a tough (or a tough girl, no offense). After all this, you are qualified to claim this breathtaking landscape as prize. It takes about an hour going up the hill and a half to get down. If you expect a more relaxing journey, just round the estimation up to two.

There is notmuch to see unless you reach the top. Even when you arrive at the transmit base station, the observation stage nearby is not ideal for photo-shooting, as the best degree takes 5 more minutes going up. There is a platform at the top, on which you could relish the whole Taipei in 270 degree: On the left side, you can see the estuary of Tamsui River; Tamsui and Yangmingshan are on the opposite side; Taipei downtown is situated at bottom right of the hill.

The best time for visit is an hour before sunset. You will be able to see and snap the landscape until the buildings gradually lit up. Be noted that northeast monsoon in autumn and winter will drop the temperature drastically. Even in aid of tripod, it is hard to take a clear picture with long exposure by reason of windy environment at the peak. Remember to bring a hand torch or fully charge up your cellphone if you come for night scene since there is nearly none of streetlight along your way down.

NightAttractions