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The Historical Sites in Tamsui

Fu-yu Kung

The oldest temple in Tamsui, Fu-yu Kung is rated the third historical relic. It is dedicated to the Goddesses of Matsu and Kuan Yin. Built during the mid Ching Dynasty, the temple uses the granite from mainland China and the rocks from Mt. Kuan Yin in Pali. The engraving on the stones are of high quality. March 22 on the Lunar Calendar is regarded as Machu's birthday. Every year on this day, a big ceremony in worship of the Matsu is held, and it attracts many tourists.

Ching Shui Yen Shih Temple

Located on Ching Shui Street, the temple is only a short walk away from the Fu-yu Kung. The engraving in the temple is very fine, especially the carved stones of "a pair of dragons vying for a pearl" on the temple roof are very vivid. This artistic work is one of the best in Taiwan.

Hung-mao Chen

Also called "Hu-wei Chen," the Hung-mao Chen was made of red brick. It was built by the Spaniards in 1629 when they invaded Tamsui. Having a history of more than 300 years, the Hung-mao Castle was originally a center for preaching Christianity. In the succeeding years, it was passed down to many hands: the Dutch, Chen-kung Cheng (Ko Xinga)of the Ming Dynasty, and the Ching Dynasty. And it was not until 1970 that the government of Taiwan took it over. Classified as a first rate historical relic, the Hung-mao Chen is now open to public every day except Monday.
(Editor's note: "hung-mao" literally means "red hair," an allusion to the Spaniard. So "Hung-mao Chen" means "the Fort of the Red Hair/Spaniards)

Tamsui Ancient Canon Bastion

Also called the "Hu-wei Canon Bastion," the Tamsui Ancient Canon Bastion stands a half kilometer to the west of the Hung-mao Chen. Completed in 1890, the bastion at that time functioned as the first barrack of the Ching Dynasty's northern garrison. It is now classified as a second rate historical site.

Structurally speaking, the bastion is a two-walled square castle. The outer walls are ten meters high, while the inner walls are made of three-layer mud and are very solid.
The Tamsui Ancient Canon Bastion is not open to the public.