Haimen Defensive Fortress

Haimen Defensive Fortress

Listed as a first-class historic site, Haimen Defensive Fortress is located on a mountain in Sansha Bay, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City — commonly known as Ersha Bay Fort. Covering an area of over 400 pyeong, it is the most magnificent among Keelung’s coastal fortifications. The fortress features gates, gun emplacements, and the foundations of barracks walls all built from rock. Viewed from a distance, the Haimen Defensive Fortress stands as a grand gate towering atop verdant cliffs, exuding a powerful aura.

The construction of Haimen Defensive Fortress can be traced back to the early years of the Daoguang Emperor’s reign, giving it a long history. The battle history of Ersha Bay Fort is also quite illustrious, having been involved in conflicts during the Opium Wars, the Sino-French War, and the Japanese invasion following Taiwan’s cession in 1895, making it of great historical significance. Notably, during the Opium Wars, when British forces entered Keelung Harbor and bombarded Sansha Bay with heavy artillery, the defending commander Qiu Zhen-gong relied on the formidable defensive strength of Haimen Defensive Fortress to repel the British, forcing them to withdraw without success — highlighting its crucial role in protecting Keelung Harbor.

Ersha Bay Fort has now been partially restored, offering a glimpse of its former glory as an ancient artillery stronghold. The gate inscribed with the words “Haimen Defensive Fortress” serves as the symbolic centerpiece of the site. Passing through the classic arched entrance, you’ll see a stone-paved plaza and pathway, flanked by what were once soldiers’ barracks — now reduced to ruins and lush green lawns. Ascending the steps at the end of the pathway leads to the heart of Haimen Defensive Fortress — the artillery area. Here, several well-preserved antique cannons, along with ruins such as bunkers, gun platforms, ammunition depots, and an ancient well, evoke a sense of history. From this vantage point, one can look down upon Keelung Harbor and almost feel the intensity of the battles fought here.

Transportation Directions: Take bus no. 101 or 103 from in front of Keelung Railway Station and get off at Haimen Defensive Fortress stop; then walk up the stone steps and pathways to reach the site. Alternatively, take bus no. 205, get off at Stadium stop, then follow the signs towards Zhongzheng Park. At the fork, turn right and continue straight — the fortress is about a 2.7 km walk from there.