Museums

The Center of Old Fongshan City History

4.6 · 1,983 reviews
A quiet and educational historical site
The Center of Old Fongshan City History, No. 157-2號龜山巷 Pidong Village, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813
Interesting facts
1

The museum stands directly adjacent to the site of the North Gate of the former Zuoying Old City.

2

The building itself was repurposed from a former military-related facility, reflecting the area's long-standing connection to the armed forces.

3

The Old City of Fongshan was the first stone-walled city constructed in Taiwan, specifically chosen to replace a previous mud-walled version.

4

The museum features specialized exhibits detailing the complex hydraulic engineering and moat systems that once protected the perimeter.

5

The facility is situated at the base of Guishan Hill, a strategic high point that offered visual control over the walled city and the Lotus Pond.

Overview

The Center of Old Fongshan City History is a dedicated heritage facility located at the foot of Guishan Hill, specifically preserving the history of the Qing-era Zuoying Old City walls. The museum occupies a renovated site that emphasizes the transition of Zuoying from a garrison town to a modern district. It showcases architectural models and excavated artifacts related to the walled city, which was constructed in 1826 as the administrative heart of the region. The exhibits detail the construction phases of the Old City, including the surviving North, East, South, and West gates. A significant portion of the center explains the interaction between military settlements and the surrounding traditional communities. Visitors can view historical maps comparing 19th-century coastal fortifications with contemporary urban Kaohsiung. The site is physically integrated into the broader Old City preservation zone, allowing for direct access to adjacent historic trails.

Photo spot

The viewpoint overlooking the North Gate and the connecting city wall segments located just outside the museum.

Insider tips

Combine your visit with a walking tour of the nearby North and East gates to see the physical wall structures.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the site connects to outdoor trails leading up Guishan Hill.

Bring sun protection, as the path from the museum to the surrounding historic gates is largely uncovered.

What to avoid

Do not mistake the museum for the Lotus Pond temples; ensure you are specifically heading toward the walled-city site near the mountain base.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume inside the exhibition halls; do not touch preserved artifacts or display models.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Late afternoon on weekdays to avoid crowds and benefit from cooler temperatures while walking the exterior walls.
Address
The Center of Old Fongshan City History, No. 157-2號龜山巷 Pidong Village, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813
22.677, 120.291
Get directions
Details
Key exhibits19th-century fortification models, historical cartography, and archaeological artifacts from the Zuoying Old City.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon on weekdays to avoid crowds and benefit from cooler temperatures while walking the exterior walls..

The viewpoint overlooking the North Gate and the connecting city wall segments located just outside the museum.

Close by you'll find Dragon & Tiger Pagoda, Lotus WakePark 蓮潭滑水主題樂園, Kaohsiung Arena.