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Begin at SUN YAT-SEN UNIVERSITY renown for its curriculum in Politics, Business and Marine Sciences. The campus is situated on the western slopes of Shou Shan Mountain with expansive views of Hsitzuwan Bay from the upper reaches. Ample parking is available for cars and scooters near the beach side entrance, and bus #99 stops at the Beach Center building on the lower level of the campus. (NOTE: other buses stop nearby. See "Tunnel" below). The Beach Center is open to the public, selling snacks, beverages, towels and sun lotion. From here, you can dig your toes in the sand and saunter the coast. Or, you can follow pathways through the BEACH SIDE PARK where a number of exotic species thrive. Chiang Kai Shek's touring limo, a classic Packard, is enshrined in a glassed shelter and his summer cottage just behind has been converted into a gallery that's open to the public.
Cross the road and head towards the mountain. Pass the Arts & Science Building and the Administration Offices and take the path that leads through the TUNNEL. (Buses #1, 31, 50 and the Orange Line stop at the tunnel entrance on the other side) During early hours, it’s packed with students hurrying to class. The real advantage is the absence of cars and scooters, the plight of inner city hikers! On exiting the tunnel, you’ll reach the FERRY PIER. From here, shuttle boats run all day long connecting Kushan and Chihchin Island. The Dock has recently received a face lift including a paved promenade and landscaped gardens. It makes a good spot to stop and drink in the views. Veer down SHAO CHUAN STREET lined with an array of shops and stalls typical of the Kushan neighborhoods. People here are hard working and unassuming, and they carry on a proud heritage connected with the sea. Old timers have stories to tell of fishing ventures far from their coastal homelands proving life was not always easy.
DAI TIEN TEMPLE, the pivot point of old Hamasen, is still a popular spot that retains a traditional atmosphere. Some of the best food in the district can be found at Dai Tien, and it’s worth your time. Try a bowl of Mi Gao, “long rice, Ga Bao, “meat pockets” or Yu Tang, “fish soup”. The dishes, heavily flavored with pork and fish, are filling and reasonable. The “5 Kings” preside within the temple’s main hall. Numbers have always carried great magic according to Chinese lore, and the number “5” is especially significant. The 5 Kings trace their lineage to southern China when plagues and pestilence brought fear into the hearts of the people. Belief was that evil spirits caused calamity and only powerful beings, i.e., the “Kings” could provide recourse. The cult carried over to Taiwan, and they are revered today as protective deities. A colorful market thrives just outside the temple grounds by day and by night.
From the temple, travel on to the BINHAI ROAD intersection where you’ll encounter rows of shops hawking cool treats. Bing, or shaved ice is the cornerstone market. A popular spot with the university crowd is the FERRY STATION ICE SHOP (#75 Binhai 1st Rd) where groups of ten or more students can be found huddled over huge “Bing Buckets” topped with fruits and sweet syrups. The walls, pillars and table tops are festooned with graffiti notes sprawled from the hand of students weary with testing or looking for love. The messages provide interesting commentary on Taiwan’s youth. Order up a “Peanut Shave” (red beans, mung beans & oats are optional) as a summertime cooler. Now that you're refreshed, continue back to the ferry pier and proceed along the dock on the other side. Pass by the tunnel and stay on BINHAI ROAD until you come face to face with the break waters off the Taiwan Straits. On a clear day, the lighthouse atop the cliffs of Chitou Mountain in neighboring Chih Chin District present a dramatic back drop for tugs pulling into the harbor.
After the Franco-British invasion of China in 1858 and following the formal opening of the harbor in 1864, this
narrow waterway entrance to Kaohsiung saw the likes of vessels from Great Britain and France. From that time
on, foreign traders began to set up shop. Dignitaries arrived as well, and British officials that were stationed on
the “S.S. Clover” were moved to solid ground at the FORMER BRITISH CONSULATE. Barely visible atop
the precipice, it was constructed by the British firm of “Tianli” and it still stands as a proud witness to Taiwan’s
history .Ascend the stairway from the bus parking lot for a walk through tour. Living and governing quarters are inside;
the basement was used to detain foreign criminals. The Consulate is the oldest example of Western style
architecture in all Taiwan, and deserves attention in spite of transformations during its tenure. The Japanese
once used the building as a meteorological station. It now displays historic documents, photographs,
memorabilia and a model of the “walled castle town” of Fengshan in neighboring Tsoying. The elegant arcade
is a favorite location for photo sessions.At this juncture, you’ve probably had enough. The car lot, if you’ve parked a vehicle, is through the entrance to
the University about 1.5km away. Follow the breakers through the guard entrance. On another day you can
catch additional local landmarks (see note below). There’s always something to see in Kushan.
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North Gate (part of the Old Fort) #6 Lenhai Road. Kushan The fort was built in defense against Japanese forces in the 1870’s. During foreign rule, the compound was used as a barracks. The old gate is the only significant remaining monument.  |
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