British Consulate in Takao, Kaohsiung Ticket

Yes, you need to purchase a ticket to visit the Former British Consulate at Takow. We recommend booking through KKday to enjoy the convenience of fast entry with an e-ticket, saving you time queuing for tickets on-site and making your trip smoother. KKday also offers various payment methods for a more convenient ticketing process, ensuring easy and accessible entry to the site.

The Former British Consulate at Takow boasts a unique century-old Baroque architectural style, with its red brick and wooden corridors being a major highlight. Visitors can admire the magnificent sunset over Xiziwan here, making it the best spot for chasing romantic sunsets. Additionally, its elevated position allows for panoramic views of Kaohsiung's harbor and cityscape. Combining historical architecture with natural beauty, it offers significant sightseeing value.

The name 'Takow' originates from the phonetic transcription of 'Takao' in the Makatao language of the indigenous Pingpu people of early Kaohsiung, meaning 'bamboo forest.' Later, due to a similar pronunciation in Taiwanese Hokkien, the term 'Takow' was adopted. During the Qing Dynasty, the British established a consulate here, hence its name, 'Former British Consulate at Takow.' This name carries the rich historical and cultural evolution of Kaohsiung.

To reach the Former British Consulate at Takow, you can take the Kaohsiung MRT Orange Line to Xiziwan Station (O1). After exiting from Exit 1, you can transfer to a bus (like routes 99 or Orange 1) or walk uphill for about 15-20 minutes. If you are driving, you can follow Gushan First Road and follow the signs. Taking a taxi or using a shared bicycle are also convenient options.

There are paid parking lots around the Former British Consulate at Takow. Visitors can utilize parking spots next to the Cijin Ferry Terminal or within the Xiziwan scenic area. However, parking spaces may be limited, especially on weekends or during peak tourist seasons. It is recommended to arrive early or consider using public transportation to ensure a smooth visit.

The Former British Consulate at Takow is actually divided into two parts. The building on the hill at Sunchongtou was originally used as the British Consul's residence, completed and inaugurated in the 5th year of Emperor Guangxu's reign (1879). It served as the place where the consul lived and received important dignitaries and guests, belonging to the official residence architecture of the time. The building at the foot of the hill served as the consulate's office, responsible for handling administrative affairs.

The Former British Consulate at Takow is an excellent location to enjoy the sunset at Xiziwan in Kaohsiung. It is generally recommended to arrive one to two hours before sunset. This will give you ample time to find the best viewing spot and enjoy the scenery before the sun dips below the horizon. As the sun slowly sinks into the sea, the twilight will paint the sky in shades of orange and red, creating a picturesque and unforgettable scene against the red-brick architecture.

The architectural style of the Former British Consulate at Takow belongs to the Baroque Western-style buildings prevalent during the colonial era, designed and supervised by the Royal Engineers of the British Empire at the time. Its uniqueness lies in the extensive use of red bricks from Xiamen, combined with wooden corridors, arched windows, and exquisite carved decorations. It showcases an elegant yet robust European style, possessing significant historical and artistic value.