A Century-Old Building Full of Stories: The British Consulate at Takao Cultural Park

Built in 1879, the British Consulate at Takao is one of Taiwan's oldest surviving Western-style buildings. With its red brick arcades, wooden shutters, and stunning harbor views, it has become a popular spot for visitors. From here, you can overlook Kaohsiung Harbor and experience the blend of history and modernity. The entire park includes the hillside consulate residence, the office building at the foot of the hill, and an ancient hiking trail. It is the oldest Western-style building in Taiwan and the first consulate established by the British government in Taiwan. This location is perfect for photography, and the British choice of location has been widely praised (I wish I had an office nestled between mountains and water too!). Spending about 20 minutes at each spot is just right. Even in winter, it’s not too cold—enjoy the sea breeze and the harbor views to brighten your day. The British Consulate at Takao Cultural Park No. 20, Lianhai Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City