Dashawan Beach Archaeological Site is the former site of Taiwan's first public beach, opened during the Japanese colonial period and now redeveloped into the Shawan Historical and Cultural Park, combining prehistoric cultural layers with Sino-French War and Japanese-era military remains.
The Dashawan area was known as "Dashawan Village" around 1875 during the Guangxu era; in 1884, during the Sino-French War, French troops landed here with heavy casualties, and the site was once nicknamed "Courbet Beach" after the French admiral. During the Japanese colonial period, the Japanese opened Taiwan's first public beach here, which disappeared in the 1960s due to land reclamation for Keelung Harbor. The site has since been redeveloped into the Shawan Historical and Cultural Park, preserving the Dashawan stone enclosure remains along with the Keelung Fortress Commander's official residence and officer quarters.
What to See at Dashawan Beach Archaeological Site
The prehistoric cultural layers unearthed at Dashawan demonstrate that this area was inhabited before Han Chinese settlement. After it was developed into a public beach during the Japanese colonial period, it became a major recreational site for residents of northern Taiwan. Bathhouse facilities, including changing areas and other public buildings, were constructed; some of these remains were preserved when the site was converted into an archaeological park.
The archaeological park's layout attempts to present the site's multiple historical layers — the sequence from prehistoric times through the Japanese colonial period can be understood through on-site interpretive panels. The park's location is adjacent to Keelung Harbor, and the site overlaps heavily with the history of the harbor's development, making it especially relevant for visitors interested in Keelung's past.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Hours
- Located along Zhongzheng Road; reachable by bus or on foot from central Keelung — check Keelung City bus information for specific routes.
- Park opening hours are subject to the managing authority's announcements; it is recommended to check before visiting.
Nearby Connections
- The Ershawan Fort trail entrance is nearby — easy to combine in the same visit.
- The Zhongzheng District coastline can be followed on foot toward Heping Island.
Source: compiled from publicly available documents and archaeological site research. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Dashawan historically used for?
It was Taiwan's first public beach during the Japanese colonial period, which disappeared in the 1960s due to land reclamation for Keelung Harbor.
Is Dashawan connected to the Sino-French War?
Yes, French troops landed here in 1884 during the Sino-French War with heavy casualties, and the site was once called 'Courbet Beach.'
What does the Dashawan site look like today?
It has been redeveloped into the Shawan Historical and Cultural Park, preserving stone enclosure remains and Japanese-era military residences.
Sources
- 基隆沙灣歷史文化園區 - biasarchitects — 大沙灣歷史沿革、清法戰爭與日治海水浴場記載
- 沙灣歷史文化園區 - 基隆旅遊網 — 官方觀光資訊佐證園區組成