Hobe Fort — Attraction in New Taipei

When you arrive the fort, it may be difficult to imagine why the fort was built there. You see the fort now basically sits in trees, not really able to outlook the Dan Shui port. You probably need to feel the up slope under your feet and imagine the trees being trimmed and you stand on an observation deck and your gun team is ready to fire the cannon. Then, you can visualise what the fort is for. The place is very good for the family outing in summer. The trees provide a very good shade and a gentle breeze always blows over the hill down to the trees. Very spicy with a well maintained lawn. There is also an visitor centre providing the introduction of the place. If you always visit the river bank and start to get bored, perhaps you can try to climb up a bit to experience different flavour...

Hobe Fort was built in the late 19th century as part of the harbour defenses of northern Taiwan - it was regarded as the "key to the north gate"

The fort was armed with several breech-loading Armstrong and Krupp cannons - most of the barbettes are empty but you can still see one example in the fort. The narrow passageways and dim bunkers give a sense of how it must have felt like serving here as a Qing Dynasty artilleryman.

Getting here requires a hike up from the main road - just follow the side road all the way up from the Tulip Hotel. If coming from Fort San Domingo, keep your NTD 80 ticket handy as it provides free access to Hobe Fort too

If returning to Tamsui Old Street/MRT station, take a bus that goes back from the bus stop on the opposite...

There is an entrance fee if you're not from New Taipei City. They give you stickers so you can get a reduced price if you're also planning to go to the other fort. Be sure not to miss the path which goes along the top of the outer earthen wall and can be found by walking left around the 'moat' before going through the gate. There's also the martyr's shrine next door, and behind the fort if you follow the road is a theatre from which you can observe the sunset. Then if you follow the road past the theatre you come to a large park that borders a golf course. The long boarded path that leads along some low hills was closed for repairs, but nobody stopped us stepping over the low fence to walk the...