The Taijiang National Park Headquarters of the National Park Service, Ministry of the Interior held the opening ceremony for the restored Sicao Observation Post (Old Site) today (May 26^th) at the south bank of the Luermen River estuary in Annan District, Tainan City. Deputy Director-General Chen Chen-Jung of the National Park Service expressed pride in coinciding this event with Tainan's 400th anniversary in 2024, a momentous milestone that underscores the deep historical and cultural significance of the region. The ceremony was attended by key figures, including Hsu Tsung-Min, Director of the Southwest Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters; Tung Chun-Ting, Director of the Sixth Patrol Area, Southern Branch, Coast Guard Administration; Chiu Sheng-Huan, Captain of the Seventh Division of the Seventh Special Police Corps; Huang Tao-Li, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Bureau of Tainan City; Chang Chieh-Chun, Deputy District Chief of Annan District; as well as local partners, agency representatives, and community leaders who jointly inaugurated the site at Luermen, a key educational and cultural promotion spot that has influenced the development of Taijiang and Tainan City. The event was attended by a host of distinguished guests, who collectively shared the joy of the rebirth of the Sicao Observation Post.

Rebirth and New Look for Sicao Observation Post with Adaptive Reutilization of Historical Buildings

Starting from 2022, the Taijiang National Park Headquarters (TJNPH) transformed parts of the Anshun Salt Field into the Anshun Salt Story House and other exhibition spaces. The recent inauguration of the "Sicao Observation Post (Old Site)" demonstrates ongoing efforts of the TJNPH to promote local historical and cultural narratives and revitalize existing buildings within the park. These efforts will continue, enhancing leisure and educational spots for the public.

For today's ceremony, the Taijiang Wind Band (TJWB) and the Zhenhai Elementary School Taiko Drum Team were invited to perform. Their powerful wind and drum music, blending Eastern and Western instruments, symbolizes the rich history of cultural intersections in the Luermen area through the centuries and marks the reopening of the Sicao Observation Post (Old Site).

Director Hsieh Wei-Song of the Taijiang National Park Headquarters highlighted that the renovated Sicao Observation Post not only offers interpretative and exhibition spaces to educate the public about Luermen's history but also has improved infrastructure for water, electricity, and essential amenities such as restrooms. This was achieved through continuous coordination with the Public Works Bureau and Annan District Office of the Tainan City Government to provide a more comfortable recreational spot for visitors. 

Deputy Director-General Chen of the National Park Service noted that the Taijiang Inner Sea, near the western edge of Tainan, has been a gateway connecting Taiwan with the world for 400 years, with Luermen playing a historically significant role. Since taking over the Sicao Observation Post in 2020, the Taijiang National Park Headquarters has planned and renovated the site, aiming to turn it into a focal point for historical and cultural interpretation in the Luermen area. He expressed his pleasure in holding the inauguration during Tainan's special 400th anniversary, urging ongoing support and collaboration from local partners to raise awareness of this historical site and its rich cultural narratives.

 

A Classroom of Knowledge and a Profound Scenic Experience

Through the rebirth of the Sicao Observation Post, the TJNPH hopes visitors will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the area's history and culture, whether through engaging with the exhibits or enjoying the stunning sunset views and natural beauty of the seascape. As the exhibition title "Protecting Luermen" suggests, it is hoped that everyone will join in safeguarding this land alongside the national park, creating both a classroom for learning and a landscape for heartfelt experiences.