Also known as Haimen Tianxian, this first-class historical relic was once used to defend Taiwan during the First Opium War (1839–42). Its imposing main gate and five cannons, still tucked into their battery emplacements, are a dramatic sight. To get here, take city bus 101 or 103 to Haimen Tianxian, walk up the stone footpath and take the second right.
If you have time afterwards, retrace your steps to the bus and continue another 10 minutes to the stop for Heping Island (和平島, Hépíng Dǎo), which is connected to the mainland by a short pedestrian bridge and features beautiful and bizarre limestone rock formations, as well as some old shrines. In April the green hillsides are splashed with the white of Formosan lilies.
