Former British Consulate at Takao

Established in 1879, the Former British Consulate at Takow is the oldest remaining Western mansion in Taiwan. It was also the very first British consulate in Taiwan. Perched on top of a hill, this charming building affords an excellent panorama of its surroundings, where the ocean and mountains can be easily viewed. The reason why it can withstand year-round winds coming from the ocean is that the outer brick walls have a layer of concrete, which helps avoid salt damage.

In 1895, the Treaty of Shimonoseki (馬關條約) was signed and followed by the Japanese rule of Taiwan. The British Consulate of Takow was then led by the British ambassador in Tokyo. In 1910, the British Consulate at Takao was closed, with the consulates' affairs and interests shifting to Tamsui. In 1925, the property rights of the consulate and its residence were transferred to the Japanese colonial government, which officially brought to an end of the British Consulate at Takow. In 1931, the Former British Consular Residence at Takow was turned into the Kaohsiung Marine Observatory (高雄海洋觀測所).

Today, the Former British Consulate at Takow has been named a national historic site, where a wide range of local historical objects are on display. Visitors can even have a cup of English tea while enjoying the southern chill. Many come for the romantic sunset over the well-known Xizi Bay (西子灣), where the golden hued rays will melt into the horizon with the ocean bathed in the glow of the setting sun.

Notice:

Closed on the third Monday of each month and Chinese New Year's Eve.