See Taiwan’s first British consulate and set sail in just 100 minutes – Kaohsiung’s “Swinhoe Adventure” is super popular

▲The Takao British Consulate.

Reported and photographed by You T-Ru / Kaohsiung

There’s more to exploring Kaohsiung than Pier-2 and Love River. The Kaohsiung Cultural Affairs Bureau has recently promoted the land-and-sea “Swinhoe Adventure,” which lets visitors climb up to the British Consulate and then take a boat ride around Kaohsiung Harbor. The whole trip takes about 100 minutes, allowing travelers to enjoy views from the consulate’s hilltop residence down to its offices at the base of the hill, and even board a boat to tour Kaohsiung Harbor—experiencing the beauty and wonder that Taiwan’s first consul felt upon first arriving in Taiwan.


▲Exterior of the Takao British Consulate.

To talk about the “Swinhoe Expedition Adventure,” we have to start with how Taiwan’s first British consul, Robert Swinhoe, arrived in Taiwan in 1861. Originally just a vice-consul, Swinhoe traveled aboard the British Royal Navy ship HMS Cockchafer to establish a vice-consulate in Taiwan. Due to the influence of the southwest monsoon, he was unable to land at the originally planned location of Taiwan-fu (present-day Anping, Tainan) and instead chose to disembark at Takao Harbor (now Kaohsiung Harbor).

In July 1861, Swinhoe set up his first office in Taiwan-fu. As trade increased, the Taiwan Customs Office was established in Takao in May 1864, and in November of that year, the vice-consulate was moved to Takao. In February 1865, Swinhoe was promoted to consul. The official residence he set up in Takao at that time became the first British consulate residence in all of Taiwan. However, when discussing Swinhoe, it’s not just his diplomatic career—because he was also a biologist, he often explored Taiwan for new species, including the discovery of the Formosan macaque.


▲%The former residence exudes the charm of a bygone era where locals gathered for tea and conversation.%strong>



▲%Displays on the mountain showcase Swinhoe’s biological explorations and missionary medical work.%strong>


 
▲Items inside the consulate.

The starting point of the “Swinhoe Adventure” is the hilltop “British Consulate Residence,” beginning with the iconic British colonial-style red-brick round-arch architecture. Before the guided tour, visitors can enjoy afternoon tea here. Sitting in this historic building, you can gaze out at Kaohsiung Harbor while soaking in the sentiments of those who lived through history—the entire Greater Kaohsiung area spreads out before you. This spot also showcases the development of Kaohsiung Harbor from its opening in the late Qing Dynasty, through the Japanese colonial period, to the Republic of China era. Following the guide’s storytelling, you’ll begin a century-long journey starting with the life of Swinhoe.

Following the guide down the sloped pathway, you’ll reach the office area of the “consulate on the lower hill,” which recreates the atmosphere of old streets. Here you’ll find exhibits on Swinhoe’s biological surveys, British missionaries practicing medicine, and the lively scenes of the old Shaochuan Street. The offices also house artifacts such as the Tianjin Treaty and old photographs. The restored buildings come to life even more vividly through the use of wax figures.


▲Swinhoe was the man who discovered the Formosan macaque.
%The office space vividly displays the consulate’s former ambiance.%strong>




The final stop is known as the “Sea Route,” a boat ride that reenacts what Swinhoe saw upon his first arrival in Taiwan. According to guides, when Swinhoe first arrived in Taiwan, he thought the Taiwan Strait was an icy, desolate sea. But as the boat approached Takao Harbor, he saw the lush green Shoushan and seabirds flying over the water. Moved by the beauty of Taiwan, he fell in love with the place.


▲%Visitors deeply feel the emotional resonance while gazing at the scenery.%strong>



▲%The scenes along the harbor tell stories of the past.%strong>



▲Viewing the British consulate residence from the sea.

Exploring the “Swinhoe Adventure,” from historical buildings and personal stories to seeing Kaohsiung from different perspectives, this 100-minute experience feels like stepping into a different time tunnel—a unique journey through Kaohsiung. The Kaohsiung Cultural Affairs Bureau has also partnered with hotels such as the Howard Plaza Hotel to offer packaged stays that include the Swinhoe Adventure, which interested travelers can check out.

Takao British Consulate Cultural Park
Address: No. 20, Lianhai Rd., Gushan District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-5250100　
Cultural Affairs Bureau phone: 07-2225136
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:00–21:00

Swinhoe Adventure (for flight schedules, please inquire with the Cultural Affairs Bureau)
Ticket price: NT$299

Howard Plaza Hotel – HowToTrip Harbor Adventure Holiday
Includes full-price Swinhoe Adventure ticket, harbor-view room, one-way shuttle from hotel to the British Consulate, breakfast, and more for NT$4,998 + 10% service charge