The original mortar was made from a mixture of sugar, sticky rice, and ground oyster shells, which provided exceptional durability against tropical weather.
The fort was originally built on a sandbank called 'Tayouan', which eventually merged with the mainland due to silting.
The fort changed names frequently, being known as Fort Orange, Fort Zeelandia, and later, the Anping Castle during the Qing Dynasty.
The brick tower currently standing atop the hill is a Japanese-era addition, not a remnant of the Dutch period.
The site was the administrative center for the Dutch East India Company's trade operations in East Asia.
Excavations at the site have uncovered Dutch-era coins, pottery shards, and remnants of the fort's original red-brick ramparts.
The fort was the site of the formal surrender of the Dutch East India Company to the forces of Koxinga in 1662.
Anping Fort, also known as Fort Zeelandia, was established by the Dutch East India Company between 1624 and 1634 to serve as a commercial hub and defense bastion in Taiwan. The site serves as the birthplace of Tainan's colonial history and remains one of the oldest Western-style fortifications in the region. The original structure was built using bricks imported from Java and a mortar mixture composed of sticky rice, sugar, and oyster shell lime. While much of the original Dutch construction was destroyed during the 17th-century conflict with Koxinga, the site retains visible remnants of the outer fortress walls. The interior grounds feature a brick tower built during the Japanese colonial period that now serves as an observation platform. A museum on the premises exhibits artifacts recovered from the fort's foundation and provides historical context regarding Dutch rule. The layout includes excavated portions of the original fortress walls protected by modern shelters. It is located in the Anping District, which served as a major maritime trade gateway for centuries.
The red-brick rampart section where the ancient masonry contrasts with the modern landscape.
Walk the full perimeter of the outer wall to see the transition between original Dutch-era bricks and later repairs.
Visit the small museum building first to understand the architectural layers before walking the grounds.
Explore the surrounding Anping Old Street immediately after your visit to see the historical development of the local merchant district.
Do not climb or lean on the exposed original brick walls, as they are protected archaeological structures.
