Eternal Golden Castle — Attraction in Tainan

Do not expect much from this site, it's good to bring food and have a picnic and feel the past Not as interesting as the fort in Anping.

Background Built: 1874–1876 By: Qing Dynasty official Shen Baozhen (沈葆楨) Purpose: Coastal defense fortress to protect Taiwan (then part of Qing China) from foreign naval threats, especially after the 1874 Japanese invasion of Taiwan (Mudan Incident).

Why it was built In 1871, Ryukyuan sailors were killed by Paiwan aborigines in southern Taiwan. Japan used this as a pretext to send troops in 1874 (Mudan Incident)—their first overseas military expedition. Although Japan withdrew after negotiations (with Qing paying compensation), the incident exposed Taiwan’s vulnerability. Shen Baozhen, sent by the Qing to strengthen Taiwan’s defense, ordered the construction of Eternal Golden Castle in Tainan, the first modern Western-style fortress in Taiwan. It was equipped with imported cannons from Britain and Germany.

Japanese Connection Trigger for Construction (1874) Without the Japanese landing in southern Taiwan, the Qing likely would not have invested in such a strong coastal defense in Tainan. So the castle itself is a direct response to Japan’s military expansionism.

First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895) After Qing China lost to Japan, the Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895) ceded Taiwan to Japan. Local Taiwanese militias resisted under the short-lived Republic of Formosa, but Japanese forces advanced rapidly. Eternal Golden Castle was used by Formosan resistance fighters to defend against the Japanese navy. However, the outdated cannons and fortress design were no match for Japan’s modern military power. By October 1895, the Japanese had taken Tainan, and the castle was surrendered.

During Japanese Colonial Rule (1895–1945) Eternal Golden Castle lost its military importance. The Japanese dismantled or sold many of the cannons, and the site was gradually abandoned. It became more of a symbolic ruin rather than an active...

Not as glamorous as you think it is. The swan ride no more when I was there. Not sure is it because of Typhoon or not. The greenary is not as green as the picutre few years back. Abit of dry brown with crack soil. But if you like cannon, can go there. They got 3 type of cannons. 1 is the normal fake cannon. 2nd is the fake Big Cannon. 3rd one is like the Attack On Titan kind of cannon. Can move to left and right, of course I never move it. That is a Replica cannon but looks real. They got for photo. And with the greenary. Still looks pretty, people will still wow.

There is a park nearby too, they are link to the Navy Destroyer Ship. You can check it up if you still have time.

I would say the Eternal Golden Castle is...

Historically it is a castle built in the Ching Dynasty in the 17th century. There was only one real historical canon left and the rest of the canons are replicates only. The river surrounding it could be an excellent place to ride a boat but you need to drive it like riding a bicycle. The coffee shop is nice and real Taiwanese taste. The staff are helpful. For the price, it sounds a bit expensive if you only visit this place but if you buy the 500 bugs pass for five historical places it really worth it. The cluster of historical places...