Hobe Fort
3.5
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Following the Sino-French War (1884-1885) and the Battle of Tamsui, the Qing government decided to construct ten new forts across Penghu (Pescadores), Keelung, Hobe (Tamsui), Anping (Tainan), and Qihou (Kaoshung) to strengthen Taiwan's coastal defense. In 1886, Hobe Fort or "Bei Men Suo Yao," meaning "Key to the North Gate," was built by the appointed governor Liu Ming-Chuan. In 1886, Liu Ming-Chuan hired German technician Max E. Hecht to oversee the construction of the fort, basing its design on the blueprints of German forts. The construction was completed in 1889 and included four cannons imported from Britain and Germany. The words "Bei Men Suo Yao," were engraved at the top of the entrance of the fort in 1886 by Governor Liu himself. Since the fort was never involved in any warfare, its main structure has remained intact and well preserved to this day.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Tamsui / Bali District
The enchanting Tamsui Old Street boasts the most beautiful Fisherman’s Wharf sunset of Taiwan. There are also well-complimented delectable snacks such as Ah Gei (bean curd) and fish ball, etc. On Bali left bank, there is the Ferry Old Street and Wazihwei Nature Reserve. It is relaxing and comfortable whether by strolling or cruising through on a bike. Besides the bustling business district, Tamsui is also full of an old vintage flavor. From western architectural relics to residences dating back to Japanese rule, each with their respective features and great stories to tell. If you visit Tamsui in spring, the magnificent cherry blossoms of Tianyuan Palace are a must see. If you wish for further intimacy with nature, why not camp out for the night under the starry sky. The Bali culture park camping site offers round, transparent bubble tents. Experience the close, seamless connection to surrounding nature from within for an unforgettable memory.
Best nearby
Restaurants
428 within 3 miles
Attractions
151 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
3.5
22 reviews
Excellent
2
Very good
9
Average
9
Poor
1
Terrible
1
D C
Paoli, PA217 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
This old fort is the place that the Chinese won their one and only war against "Western powers" during the twilight years of the Qing Dynasty (Chinese won against the French forces). After the victory that General of Taiwan defense decided to fortified this fort further with top of the line British and German cannons. Too bad they were taken away by the Japanese during WWII, but I just wish the attraction could of at least put back a replica of the cannons.
Now the fort is pretty much empty. Empty rooms with little explanations to tell you what they are used for. There is a "guided-tour" every hour that the guide will explain them. But without actual cannons the place just seem disappointing. The fort stood could be a lot more and the area is very nice for pictures and scenic.
Now the fort is pretty much empty. Empty rooms with little explanations to tell you what they are used for. There is a "guided-tour" every hour that the guide will explain them. But without actual cannons the place just seem disappointing. The fort stood could be a lot more and the area is very nice for pictures and scenic.
Written October 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimitaka S
Taichung, Taiwan14,041 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
Hobe Fort is an ancient fort near Cloud Gate Dance Theater. You have to climb a slop, but it is not hard. As I visited, it was the 1st Monday of the month, and I couldn’t get inside. I therefore took some pictures outside.
Written July 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mklam
SG38 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
Nice and peaceful place for a walk. All the forts were removed. There is a small hill where you can see the port in the distance.
Written January 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BangkokAndy1976
Bangkok, Thailand434 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
Well, it's a five minute walk once you're inside but it's a twenty minutes plus walk from the San Domingo fort. Tip #1 the ticket for the San Domingo fort includes entrance to this fort. Tip #2 give them both a big miss.
Written December 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xydancer
Rugby, UK99 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
Interesting old fort built in the late 19th-century high on the hill overlooking the Tamsui estuary. Very much like European forts of the time. Some interesting displays related to the Sino-French War.
It's a way out of Tamsui, though, and unless you're into military architecture/sites, probably not really worth a trip on its own. But if you're going to the Cloud Gate Theater, worth dropping into, especially as it's free.
Bus 836 from Tamsui Bus Station to the gate. Others stop at the riverfront at the bottom of the hill.
It's a way out of Tamsui, though, and unless you're into military architecture/sites, probably not really worth a trip on its own. But if you're going to the Cloud Gate Theater, worth dropping into, especially as it's free.
Bus 836 from Tamsui Bus Station to the gate. Others stop at the riverfront at the bottom of the hill.
Written October 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingHobe Fort - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hobe Fort
- Hobe Fort is open:
- Mon - Fri 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Hobe Fort tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Hobe Fort tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Hobe Fort:
- (0.18 mi) Golden Tulip FAB Hotel
- (0.52 mi) Hotel Day +
- (0.80 mi) Taipei Travelers International Hostel
- (0.89 mi) Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf
- (0.58 mi) The Fisher Hotel
- Restaurants near Hobe Fort:
- (0.08 mi) Mommouth Coffee - Tamsui Branch
- (0.07 mi) Uncle Duncan
- (0.12 mi) Starbucks Coffee - Tamsui Yun Men
- (0.26 mi) Dark Palace Taiwanese Gourmet
- (0.24 mi) Go Nature (Tamsui)
Hobe Fort Information
Excellent Reviews | 2 |
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Very Good Reviews | 9 |
Hobe Fort Photos | 90 |