Qihou Church

Due to its important geographical location at the harbor exit, Cijin was the earliest developed area in Kaohsiung by the Han people, boasting Kaohsiung's oldest streets, temples, and schools. After the Qing Dynasty's war with the Anglo-French Allied Forces in 1865, Takao Harbor (Kaohsiung Port) was opened for trade. Dr. James Laidlaw Maxwell, a Scottish Presbyterian missionary, also came here to preach and established the Takao Chapel. This was the earliest and Taiwan's first Christian Presbyterian church. In 1935, the church was rebuilt in a Romanesque style. Its rustic yet elegant yellowish-brown washed-stone exterior stood as a quiet and peaceful corner amidst the bustling Cijin street market, becoming a shared memory for many people of Cijin. Due to structural damage to the old church over time, Qihou Church, established over a century ago, was renovated in 2013. The original arches and windowsills were preserved, and a Gothic-style spire was added, transforming it into a magnificent seven-story building. In response to Cijin's tourist influx, Qihou Church also promotes "tourism evangelism," offering open access for visits, drinking water, and restrooms, along with diverse activities for people of all ages. Inside the serene church, visitors can find a model of the old church for remembrance and reflection, and immerse themselves in the religious atmosphere to enjoy moments of peace and beauty.