"Howl's Moving Castle" in Hsinchu – Lidong Mountain Villa and the Ancient Fortress Embody the Beauty of Ruins

▲ Lidong Mountain Villa in Hsinchu may look like a ruin but has its own distinct architectural style. (Photo / IG@chenjiajyunProvided)

Reporter Li Ziyi / Compiled and Reported

Howl's Moving Castle appears in the mountains of Hsinchu！ On Lidong Mountain, which lies on the border between Hsinchu and Taoyuan, there are two uniquely distinctive buildings. Among them, Lidong Mountain Villa at the trailhead bears traces of time and has a unique, dilapidated beauty, even earning the nickname “Howl's Moving Castle” from netizens！ At the summit stands Lidong Mountain Ancient Fortress, which dates back to the Qing Dynasty. After several battles, only the gate and some broken walls remain, serving as a testament to the tragic warfare of that time.

▲ Surrounded by forest, Lidong Mountain Ancient Fortress no longer has its original structure—only broken walls remain. The gate has also become a popular spot for hikers to plant their flag and take photos. (Photo / IG@flower_xiao_0910Provided)

Lidong Mountain, one of Taiwan’s Minor Hundred Peaks, has an elevation of approximately 1,914 meters. Although classified as a mid-altitude mountain, its well-maintained trail makes the hike relatively easy. Starting from the trailhead at Lidong Mountain Villa, the total ascent is about 400 meters over roughly 1.5 kilometers. At the summit stands a unique ancient fortress, initially built during the Qing Dynasty to accommodate General Lidong when he came to Taiwan for relief efforts. Later, it was repurposed by the Japanese military into a artillery base used to suppress the Atayal people resisting Japanese rule. During that period, many Indigenous people were killed or injured. Today, the weathered walls and broken ruins still faintly echo the turmoil and bloodshed of those times.

▲ Though dilapidated, Lidong Mountain Villa bears some resemblance to Howl's Moving Castle. (Photo / IG@asazaqasProvided)

At the trailhead, you’ll find a rather ruin-like "Lidong Mountain Villa," built by Mr. Zhu Wanhe. In the past, it operated as a guesthouse and was a necessary resting spot for hikers passing through, once bustling with activity. Now, Mr. Zhu, who is 91 years old, has turned the place into a simple rest stop where visitors can take a break, use the restroom, snap a few photos, and appreciate the building’s unique architecture. Though it may seem disorderly, the villa has an unexpected harmony and charm of its own, coupled with the sense of time carved by wind and rain, leading netizens to joke that it does somewhat resemble “Howl's Moving Castle.”

▲ A NT$10 cleaning fee is charged by the villa owner for hiking up from Lidong Mountain Villa. (Photo / IG@uniswoooProvided)

It takes only about an hour to hike from Lidong Mountain Villa to the summit. Along the way, you’ll pass by a viewing platform. Since the trees at the summit are quite tall, the viewing platform offers better sightseeing opportunities, so it’s recommended to spend some extra time there.

▲ The first-order trigonometric point at the summit of Lidong Mountain. (Photo / IG@uniswoooProvided)

▲ After a tough climb, be sure to take a commemorative photo in front of Lidong Mountain Ancient Fortress at the summit. (Photo / IG@jouyijingProvided)

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll see Lidong Mountain Ancient Fortress surrounded by green forest. Although called an ancient fortress, the original structure no longer exists, leaving only the gate, surrounding walls, and gun ports. The square-shaped fortress, built with red bricks and cement, is imbued with historical traces. Its weathered appearance carries a unique charm, and it has now been designated as a historical site. Many years have passed since its heyday, and with the solemn history faded, the fortress has become a must-visit photo spot for hikers reaching the summit, leaving behind traces of visitors’ journeys.

Lidong Mountain

Address: No. 29-1, Lane 8, Maimei, Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County (Hike up from Lidong Mountain Villa; the villa owner charges a NT$10 cleaning fee to help maintain the surrounding cleanliness)