“Can you picture a time when seaplanes were the epitome of luxury travel?” Right here, in front of you, are remnants of the Tamsui Seaplane Airport. This unassuming patch of land played a vital role in Taiwan’s aviation history during the Japanese era. Tamsui Seaplane Airport, constructed in 1937, became Taiwan’s second international airport. It served as a crucial refueling stop for seaplanes traveling long distances between Japan, Taiwan, and Manchuria. Imagine elegant seaplanes gliding gracefully onto the Tamsui River, their twin pontoons touching down on the water’s surface. These flying boats, mainly Kawasaki Dornier Do J Wal seaplanes, carried around 20 passengers each. They provided a unique and luxurious mode of travel. Before each takeoff or landing, a patrol boat would sweep the river. It used loudspeakers to warn fishing boats to clear the waterway, ensuring a safe passage for the seaplanes. The airport’s prime location near the river mouth made it a strategic hub for both civil and military operations during World War II. However, the tides of war turned, and after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the civilian seaplane route was abruptly halted. The airport was then requisitioned by the Japanese military. They used it for wartime operations until the end of World War II in 1945. After the war, the Tamsui Seaplane Airport was taken over by the Republic of China Air Force. It was never again used as an active airport and gradually faded from public memory. Today, the Tamsui Seaplane Airport stands as a silent testament to a bygone era of aviation. This historical site serves as a reminder of Taiwan’s fascinating past, whispering stories of seaplanes, wartime operations, and the evolution of travel.
Hauptfriedhof
Lost in time stands the Hauptfriedhof Trier. A tranquil expanse in the bustling city it’s more than just a cemetery.