Tamsui Customs Wharf Revives Its Former Glory & Will Open to the Public in November

▲ Tamsui Customs Wharf is hailed as "the best place to watch the sunset along the Tamsui River." (Photo provided by the New Taipei City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

A new attraction is coming to Tamsui’s beautiful riverside scenery. Originally a military site, Tamsui Customs Wharf has been transferred free of charge from the Ministry of National Defense to the New Taipei City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau. After rescue efforts by the bureau, the restoration of the historic structure has been completed, the surrounding walls have been removed, and the site is expected to unveil its mysterious charm in November, opening to the public.

Tamsui Customs Wharf was one of the four ports forced to open during the Second Opium War between China and Britain, overseeing all customs operations in Taiwan. With deep historical significance, it has been designated a municipal heritage site. The customs wharf consists of three main parts: the customs office, the official residence of the commissioner, and the wharf area. The wharf area is further divided into the wharf structure itself, Western-style buildings, and warehouses. Having undergone successive occupations and transformations by China, Britain, and Japan, the customs wharf can be considered a witness to Taiwan’s modern historical evolution.

As the customs wharf was previously used by the military and not open to the public, its early tranquil riverside scenery has remained largely intact, making it one of the less developed areas within the well-touristed Tamsui region. The site features an open space of approximately 200 meters in width and serves as a key vantage point for viewing the sunset over the Tamsui River, earning it the title "the best place to watch the sunset along the Tamsui River."

Lin Kuan-yu, Director of the New Taipei City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau, stated that before officially entrusting the site to an operator, in order to allow the public to experience the charm of Tamsui Customs Wharf as soon as possible, the southern part of the park is expected to open first. A variety of events and exhibitions will be held on-site, and street performers will be allowed to apply for performance permits. The goal is for visitors to create precious and unforgettable memories in Tamsui.

▲ Interior space of the Tamsui Customs Wharf warehouse. (Photo provided by the New Taipei City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau)

▲ The restored heritage site is expected to meet the public in November. (Photo provided by the New Taipei City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau)