Shitoushan Park

　　Previously named Zhongzheng Park, Shitousahn Park is surrounded on three sides by the sea.  Standing about 70 meters above sea level, the park allows people a panoramic view of Twin Candlestick Islets.  During the Japanese colonial period, it was an important military base.  Today, old barracks, forts and artillery batteries can still be found intact along the hiking trail in the park.

　　Two pavilions in memorial of previous military leader Chian Kai-shek as well as secret underground tunnels underneath the trail indicate the park’s military importance in the past.  The construction of military installations started during the Japanese colonial period.  At that time, the Japanese army set up Keelung Command Center in nothern Taiwan to fight in the Russo-Japanese War.  Afterwards, the Sino-Japanese War and the Pacific War broke out, the Japanese army kept strengthening its coastal defense during those fourty years.  Located on the Jinshan Cape, which was part of the restricted area under the charge of Keelung Fortification, Shitousahn Park was recognized as an important location for coastal defense.  Therefore the army constructed barracks, forts and artillery batteries there.  It is said that the underground tunnels in Shitousahn Park stretch in all directions.  Nevertheless, we only know that Guangwu Tunnel, which was once open to visitors, is 316.5 meters long.  Most information of the other tunnels are classified as military secrets.  Located on a cape where the coastline juts out, Shitousahn Park commands a panoramic view of the coastline of the North Coast.  Therefore it is still viewed as an important location for coastal defense after the defeat and surrender of Japan at the end of World War II.  After the restoration of Taiwan to China in 1945, Shitousahn Park remained closed to the public.  The public couldn’t set foot on the park until the lifting of martial law in 1987.  Now in the park visitors can easily enjoy a panoramic view of the Jinshan Cape.

 

Shitousahn Park (Image: Tsai Ting-yu)

 

Reference:North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area

Reference:2019/1/16