Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Tainan | Exploring Tainan
It took nearly 10 years of hard work to construct the impressive Fort Zeelandia in the town Anping of Tainan. This noteworthy fortress which was built by the Dutch during 1624–1634 in the beautiful island of Formosa which is today referred to as Taiwan is a clear reminder of colonial rule in the country. Fort Zeelandia or Anping Old Fort is positioned about 16 kilometres from the Essequibo River.
When constructing the fortress the Dutch selected a sandy peninsula in Tainan. The strategic location was aimed at providing direct access for various supplies and support from Batavia which is now known as Jakarta Indonesia. However the site that was selected to construct Fort Zeelandia lacked sufficient fresh water. Therefore, fresh water was shipped from the mainland in order to match the requirement. General Zheng Cheng-gong of the Chinese Ming Dynasty laid siege to Fort Zeelandia in 1661. Following a siege that took a period of nearly nine months, the Dutch who lost 1,600 lives forced to surrender Zeelandia in February 1662. In the same year, Dutch colonial governor Frederick Coyett gave away the keys to the fortress and left to Java with the remaining civilians. With this, the 38 years of Dutch colonial rule in Taiwan came to an end.
Fort Zeelandia was built with defensive bastions in each corner and in the heart of the fort visitors will discover a courtyard, a five pointed star, various buildings and warehouses. While enjoying the spectacular views of the Suriname River, visitors can easily enjoy a walk throughout the fort and explore its unique surroundings and history. The museum is an ideal place to learn more about the original architectural styles of the fort as well as the entire nation.
Staying in a Tainan hotel such as Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Tainan provides guests with easy access to this outstanding historical site as well as other exciting places to see in Tainan.