8 History Museums in New Taipei That You Shouldn't Miss

Fort San Domingo, located on the hilltop overlooking Tamsui River estuary, was established by the Spanish in 1628. It was torn down by the Spanish before they were expelled from Tamsui by the Dutch in 1642. The Dutch then built Fort Antonio near the ruins of Fort San Domingo. Since the local inhabitants in Tamsui at the time referred to the Dutch as "red hair savages," the fort was nicknamed "Hong Mao Chen," meaning the "Red Hair Fortress." In reference to the early Spanish occupation, we now use the original Spanish name Fort San Domingo to represent the historic site, although the actual castle we see today is the Dutch fortress Fort Antonio. Fort Antonio is a two story cube-shaped building, measuring 15.25 meters on all four sides while standing 13 meters tall. The deep foundation, thick walls, and mix of stones and bricks provide the fort with strong and effective fortification. Following the Opium War, the British government leased the fort from the Qing government for their consulate. Modifications were made accordingly for consular business. To accommodate the needs of the consul's family, the consular residence was then built on the eastern side of the fort. This Victorian building was constructed with red bricks and features verandas as well as a four-sided steep roof, providing a warm and delicate atmosphere. The fusion and influence of Dutch and British architecture has painted the "Green Hill" and surroundings with a unique balanced quality.

Yang San Lang Museum, known as one of the best private & family owned museum in Taiwan displays the artwork of well known Artist Yang San Lang a native of Taiwan who started his interest in Western Art of oil painting at 1922 AD (at his 15 year old age) and after study art in Japan and France he continue through out his life-while in his private life he have produced over 5,000 masterpieces.