The British Consulate at Takow — Attraction in Kaohsiung

There are hardly any places in the city more beautiful to enjoy tea and small delicacies served on a tiered stand in the evening sun. The sunset is spectacular, and the building itself is steeped in history. Guests are welcomed with a small sip of iced tea, a charming gesture. The gift shop recalls the Cotswolds in England, though with motifs ranging from The Little Prince to Chinese-inspired designs.

The terrace facing west features five arcades, each with a table for three guests. When our group of five arrived, we were warmly received. However, we were told that two tables could not be moved together for reasons of monument preservation—even though the furniture was neither historic nor original. The more plausible explanation was economic: if two tables are taken by a group of five, another party cannot be seated. This reasoning, though understandable, still left a sense of arbitrariness.

Things took a slightly absurd turn with the drinks: one of our group asked for the very iced tea that had been served at the entrance. We were told that this particular iced tea was only for outside sale and not available at the table—but we could order a different iced tea. When milk was requested for Darjeeling, the answer was that milk could only be ordered with beverages that already included it, but not separately for tea.

At payment, the issue continued. The vouchers tied to our admission tickets could not be used in full—only three of them were valid, due to house policy. The running gag of the evening became our remark that everything “not possible” was simply prohibited by monument protection. The contrast between the friendliness of the staff and the rigid bureaucratic mindset denying the most ordinary requests was, after a while, a source of laughter, though also...

The British Consulate at Takow is a must-visit historical site in Kaohsiung! Built in 1879, this consulate is the oldest Western-style building in Taiwan and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The architecture is a beautiful blend of British colonial and local styles, with its iconic red brick walls and elegant arches. The consulate is perched on a hill, providing stunning panoramic views of Kaohsiung Harbor and the city skyline. It’s especially breathtaking at sunset, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. The well-preserved interiors and informative exhibits give visitors a deep understanding of the historical significance of this site. One of the highlights is the scenic hiking trail that connects the consulate to the lower office building. The trail is lined with lush greenery and offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city below. Along the way, you’ll find informative plaques that detail the history and significance of various points of interest. The consulate also features a charming café where you can enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the beautiful surroundings. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to share interesting stories and answer any questions you might have. Overall, the British Consulate at Takow is not just a historical landmark but a cultural treasure that offers a unique and enriching experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a picturesque spot to relax, this place has something for everyone. Highly recommended for anyone...

Something for the locals to remember by that the Brits were once here.

Just an old well kept British building, some old pictures to depict the British's presence, nothing of historical value. Neither a museum nor a gallery. A very small gift shop selling souvenirs and some other gifts inside this building.

The only appreciable note worth mentioning is the panoramic views. You'll have a bird's eye view on certain parts of the city. Quite scenic looking over the ocean and the harbour below.

Before you reach the top of the hill, you need to do some climbing, actually walking some stairs roughly a good 10-15 minutes walk. Nothing catches the eye hiking up, once you reach the British consulate, you'll find another piece of attraction a very old Chinese temple with a mini pagoda next to it. Though separate by a fence and guarded by security you can easily gain excess with ease.

Another one of those photo stops created much to attract tourist. Being a tourist I just have to follow the itinerary, on a scale of 1 -10, I put it at 3 sort of a disappointment traveling a few thousands kilometers to look at this under rated attractions sure not my cup of tea.

Take a hike just to enjoy the scenic views around this area is what you'll get. Enjoy your walk. A word of caution beware of monkeys along the trail.

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