British Consulate at Takou (Dagou)

Kaohsiung has a large number of well-preserved relics scattered around the city. The handsome redbrick consulate, built in 1865 by a British trading company, has recently become one of our favourite hang-out spots. The consulate sits about 70m or so above the mouth of Kaohsiung harbour, and it's a great location for watching the giant container ships sail through the tiny mouth of the harbour.

Recently the old dining and tearooms were reopened. With their Victorian British design, and arched windows letting in the sea views and breezes, they are a top spot for enjoying a meal or drink (open 10:00 to midnight).

While you're in the area check out a tiny temple to the left of the larger temple beside the consulate. There are two gods within the shrine, and if you ask most Taiwanese people they would not be able to identify them. And that's because these gods are not Chinese, but Dutch!

During the 17th century many Taiwanese revered the Dutch for their military and technical prowess. This temple, the only one of its kind in Taiwan, went so far as to deify two naval commanders, much as old Chinese generals have been deified over the centuries.

To get to the consulate, take bus 99 to the consulate stop and walk up the stairs. Or, take bus 248 to Binghai-2nd Rd (the harbour) and then walk along the new paths around the cape to the stairs.