Chikan Tower is a historic landmark located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The tower was originally built during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan in the early 1900s as part of a coastal defense system. It was named after the nearby Chikan Village, a center of trade and commerce during that time.
History:
Fort Provintia was built by the Dutch, who controlled Taiwan, to fortify the western part of Tayuan. Just two kilometers away from Fort Zeelandia; construction planning started in 1624 and was completed in 1653. At the time, the fort pointed canons at the Taijiang River. A Road was built from Fort Provintia to Fort Zeelandia (Minquan Road today).
The local people knew it as Red Hair Tower (紅毛樓 Hóng máo lóu) or Chikan Tower (赤崁樓 chì kàn lóu). Which came from the plains aboriginal name Sakam, the settlement near the tower home to over 5000 aboriginal villagers.
In 1652 the Guo Huaiyi Rebellion ( 郭懷一事件 guōhuáiyī shìjiàn) took place. Chinese settlers rose against the Dutch due to heavy taxation. With the help of the aborigines, the Chinese were defeated, and over 4000 Chinese were killed.
As a result of the rebellion, the Dutch replace bamboo walls around the fort with brick walls.
In 1661
Fort Provintia was the first place that Koxinga attacked in his conquest of Taiwan. In the following months, he conquered the Dutch and created the Kingdom of Donming in Taiwan. The fort was used as storage for gunpowder at the time.
After the Qing Dynasty took Taiwan, an uprising by 17-year-old Zhu Yigui was successful in exiling the provincial government from Taiwan after heavy taxation, and a bad earthquake left the people destitute. As part of the rebellion, the iron gates of Chikan Tower were destroyed. The Qing took back Tainan about a month later, and Zhu Yigui was executed.
Later, typhoons and a large earthquake in 1862 left the tower in ruins.
In the 1800s, five temples were built on the ruins of Fort Provintia: Daishi Temple, Ocean God Temple, Fenghu Library, Wenchang Temple, and Wuzi Temple.
The temples were converted into student dormitories and army hospitals during the Japanese Era. During the demolition of the Dashi Temple, they discovered the remnants of the Dutch Fort Provintia underneath. They then converted the tower into a museum in the same form as today.
After WWII, the building was protected as a national historical monument and became a tourist attraction. There are also plans to improve the Dutch history of the site in the future.
What to do:
Visitors to Chikan Tower can climb to the top of the tower. For panoramic views of Kaohsiung Harbor and the surrounding mountains. The museum inside the tower displays the history of Chikan Village. The tower’s role in coastal defense and the restoration efforts following the war.
Chikan Tower is also known for its beautiful surrounding gardens. Which feature a variety of flora and fauna native to Taiwan. The gardens are a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks. Cultural events and performances are often held on the grounds.
In addition to its historical significance and natural beauty, Chikan Tower is an important symbol of Taiwan’s cultural identity. The tower’s blend of Japanese and Western architecture reflects the country’s complex history. And the influences of various cultures on Taiwan’s development.
Hours:
8:30 AM to 9:30 PM (open late so you can see it with lights)
Price: 50 NT per person.
How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Tainan Train Station, dive east on provincial highway 20, then turn left on Minzu 2nd Road. The Chikan Tower will be on your right.
By Bus: Take bus 3 or five west for about 8 minutes from Tainan Train Station to Fort Provintia Station.
Map:
Please see below:
God of literature
Inside the Wenchang Temple. This is a popular place for students to come and pray for good grades on their tests. Derived from the image-shape character Kuí (魁), the figure holds a writing brush in the right hand, an ink cup in the left, one foot on the head of a huge legendary sea-tortoise, the other kicking stars. It symbolizes the attainment of the top position in examinations: hence it is worshiped unceasingly by students from far and wide.”