Keelung

Taiwan

Keelung Keelung, also spelled Chilung (基隆; Jīlóng), is a port city in the north of Taiwan, near the capital, Taipei.

Keelung is divided into 7 administrative districts:

  • Kanziding Fish Market (Kanzihding), Xiaoyi Road, Ren’ai District. Daily 03:00-07:00. The oldest continuously operated and largest fishery distribution center in Northern Taiwan.
  • Zhongzheng Park, Shoushan Road, Zhongzheng District, +886 2 2422 3418. This white 22.5-m-high statue of Guanyin (the Buddhist emanation of compassion and peace) overlooks the town and harbor entrance from the top of Zhongzheng Park.
  • Ershawan Fort, Zhongzheng Road, Zhongzheng District, +886 4 2229 5848 ext 116. 9AM-5PM. Also called Haimen Tiansian (海門天險), which means very dangerous gate to the ocean in Mandarin. It was built by the Qing government in 1840. This fort saw action in the 1884-85 Sino-French War. Visitors can view Keelung Harbor from the gun emplacement to feel its significance. Buses: 101, 103 from Keelung Train Station, get off Haimen Tiansian (海門天險) bus stop.
  • Keelung French Cemetery. A remnant of the Sino-French War of 1884-85, it is about 2 km from the train station, but still very close to the harbor.
  • Keelung Islet. An easy-to-find islet outside Keelung City. You can see the islet from Keelung, the north coast or northeastern coast, which makes it an important landmark of Keelung.
  • Heping (Hoping) Island. It used to be called She-liao Island. It is the doorway island to Keelung Harbor. It was a main fort built by Spanish in 1626. Inside the park, you can see many eroded rocks and coasts have formed special shapes by the wind and sea. There is a Bridge connects the island to Keelung City, and you can also take bus 101 at Keelung Railway Station, get off at Hoping Island station and walk for about 5 minutes.
  • Yong Heng Creative Park, 6 Liuhe Road, Keelung (This is up in the mountains, so you will need either a car or scooter. Taxis may be able to get there but they will be difficult to find one to get back., +86 2-2465-8000. 08:30-17:30. A scenic outdoor art park. In 2013, they transformed the mountainside into several large drawings of a panda, duck, and several smaller figures created using thousands of colored wind spinners,
  • Miaokou Night Market. 24/7. Keelung's Miaokou Night Market is famous throughout Taiwan for its large selection of food. It meanders through lanes and alleys in the downtown area surrounding the Dianji Temple (奠濟宮). The night market is easily accessible on foot for most travelers arriving from other cities.

Kanziding Fish Market (Kanzihding), Xiaoyi Road, Ren’ai District. Daily 03:00-07:00. The oldest continuously operated and largest fishery distribution center in Northern Taiwan.

Zhongzheng Park, Shoushan Road, Zhongzheng District, +886 2 2422 3418. This white 22.5-m-high statue of Guanyin (the Buddhist emanation of compassion and peace) overlooks the town and harbor entrance from the top of Zhongzheng Park.

Ershawan Fort, Zhongzheng Road, Zhongzheng District, +886 4 2229 5848 ext 116. 9AM-5PM. Also called Haimen Tiansian (海門天險), which means very dangerous gate to the ocean in Mandarin. It was built by the Qing government in 1840. This fort saw action in the 1884-85 Sino-French War. Visitors can view Keelung Harbor from the gun emplacement to feel its significance. Buses: 101, 103 from Keelung Train Station, get off Haimen Tiansian (海門天險) bus stop.

Keelung French Cemetery. A remnant of the Sino-French War of 1884-85, it is about 2 km from the train station, but still very close to the harbor.

Keelung Islet. An easy-to-find islet outside Keelung City. You can see the islet from Keelung, the north coast or northeastern coast, which makes it an important landmark of Keelung.

Heping (Hoping) Island. It used to be called She-liao Island. It is the doorway island to Keelung Harbor. It was a main fort built by Spanish in 1626. Inside the park, you can see many eroded rocks and coasts have formed special shapes by the wind and sea. There is a Bridge connects the island to Keelung City, and you can also take bus 101 at Keelung Railway Station, get off at Hoping Island station and walk for about 5 minutes.

Yong Heng Creative Park, 6 Liuhe Road, Keelung (This is up in the mountains, so you will need either a car or scooter. Taxis may be able to get there but they will be difficult to find one to get back., +86 2-2465-8000. 08:30-17:30. A scenic outdoor art park. In 2013, they transformed the mountainside into several large drawings of a panda, duck, and several smaller figures created using thousands of colored wind spinners,

Miaokou Night Market. 24/7. Keelung's Miaokou Night Market is famous throughout Taiwan for its large selection of food. It meanders through lanes and alleys in the downtown area surrounding the Dianji Temple (奠濟宮). The night market is easily accessible on foot for most travelers arriving from other cities.

  • Gongzih Liao Fort, Lane 141, Jiaozhong St, Xinyi District, +886 2 2428 2101. Built in the Qing Dynasty at the northeast of Keelung City. This old fort is as significant as the other forts considering its history and architecture. After World War II, it was used as a military facility by the ROC government until a few years ago when it was named a provincial historic site. During the colonial period, the fort was renovated and garrison was placed here after Taiwan was returned to China. Then it was abandoned for a long time. Fortunately, the remains of the fort are well-kept. Walking up to the hill on the fort, one will see the scenes of Heping Island, Badouzih, and Keeling Island right in front of the hill. Walking straight ahead, you will see a complete fort for you to imagine all the wars occurred here. Dawulun Fort
  • Dawulun Fort. 09:00-17:00. A very important military base to safeguard the west side of Keelung Harbor. During the Opium War in 1840 and the Sino-French War in 1884, the court of Ching Dynasty sent military forces to guard this place. However, looking at the current structure and feature, the fort was probably renovated during the colonial period. The provincial historic site was located on Mount Tawulun. Located 231 m above sea level, the fort looks down to Lovers Lake to the west, Dawulun Bay to the north, Keelung and East Sea to the east. Walking up on a pebble footpath full of falling leaves, one will see the original structure of the fort, chassis, mechanical belt and storage room. Walls were made from stones with arched windows. Since the platform is at the high point facing the ocean, there are lots scenes to view over northeastern cape from platform, such as Keelung Islet, Waimu Shan seashore and Badouzih.
  • Baimiwong Fort, No. 37, Guanghua Road, Zhongshan District, +886 2 2422 4170. It's in the northwest of Keelung harbor, safeguarding the harbor with the fort on the east shore. It was an important military base since the Ching Dynasty. The rectangle-shaped fort facing the sea is comprised of three sections: barbette, control center and observation station with the control center on the west of barbette and the observation station on the right. Both places are great choices for visitors to overlook Keelung Harbor. The scenery is refreshing and beautiful; hence, it has become a popular sightseeing and leisure place for local residents. Find a nice summer evening to enjoy the lights on boats in the harbor, the bright stars and the breeze.
  • Shihciouling Fort, Shiqiu Road, Ren’ai District. Built in 1884, this fort was constructed to enhance coast defense when the French attacked Taiwan for the Vietnam problem. Shihciouling is the highest fort among all the forts in Keelung. It is an essential place for the defense of the harbor. The fort was made with solid mountain rocks and the structure was kept well. It is important because it is the only remaining small fort built in late Ching Dynasty. Thanks to its ideal location, the fort offers a great view over the entire harbor of Keelung.
  • Waimu Shan seashore, +886 2 2425 8245. the longest natural seashore remained in Keelung City with a total of 5 kilometers from Waimu Shan Fishery Harbor to Aoditong Village. The seashore includes open seashore and marine cliff to make a spectacular scenery. Swimming facilities are available near Waimu Shan Fishery Harbor for experienced swimmers to go scuba diving and swimming. The beach near Aoditong Village is the only remaining sandy seashore in Keelung. In the summer, people often go to the beach and have fun swimming. For people who are afraid to swim in the sea, the nearby Octopus swimming pool is also a great choice for some fun. Besides, one should never miss the beautiful sunrise in the summer. The incredible sight makes people feel carefree and joyous. The seashore and the reef rocks sculptured by the ocean over a long period of time are also a must-see.
  • Lovers Lake. located at the mountainside of Mount Dawulun at the western part of Keelung. It is the only highland in Keelung with dense woods, beautiful lake and refreshing scenery. The park offers different facilities including kiosks, suspension bridge, observation platform, windmills and pathways for visitors to take a walk and enjoy the natural scenery, the beauty of plants and green shower. It is also a great choice to stand on the observation deck to see the seashore. In spring and summer of every year, insects, butterflies and migrating birds often gather here and your visit is mostly welcomed.

Gongzih Liao Fort, Lane 141, Jiaozhong St, Xinyi District, +886 2 2428 2101. Built in the Qing Dynasty at the northeast of Keelung City. This old fort is as significant as the other forts considering its history and architecture. After World War II, it was used as a military facility by the ROC government until a few years ago when it was named a provincial historic site. During the colonial period, the fort was renovated and garrison was placed here after Taiwan was returned to China. Then it was abandoned for a long time. Fortunately, the remains of the fort are well-kept. Walking up to the hill on the fort, one will see the scenes of Heping Island, Badouzih, and Keeling Island right in front of the hill. Walking straight ahead, you will see a complete fort for you to imagine all the wars occurred here.

Dawulun Fort. 09:00-17:00. A very important military base to safeguard the west side of Keelung Harbor. During the Opium War in 1840 and the Sino-French War in 1884, the court of Ching Dynasty sent military forces to guard this place. However, looking at the current structure and feature, the fort was probably renovated during the colonial period. The provincial historic site was located on Mount Tawulun. Located 231 m above sea level, the fort looks down to Lovers Lake to the west, Dawulun Bay to the north, Keelung and East Sea to the east. Walking up on a pebble footpath full of falling leaves, one will see the original structure of the fort, chassis, mechanical belt and storage room. Walls were made from stones with arched windows. Since the platform is at the high point facing the ocean, there are lots scenes to view over northeastern cape from platform, such as Keelung Islet, Waimu Shan seashore and Badouzih.

Baimiwong Fort, No. 37, Guanghua Road, Zhongshan District, +886 2 2422 4170. It's in the northwest of Keelung harbor, safeguarding the harbor with the fort on the east shore. It was an important military base since the Ching Dynasty. The rectangle-shaped fort facing the sea is comprised of three sections: barbette, control center and observation station with the control center on the west of barbette and the observation station on the right. Both places are great choices for visitors to overlook Keelung Harbor. The scenery is refreshing and beautiful; hence, it has become a popular sightseeing and leisure place for local residents. Find a nice summer evening to enjoy the lights on boats in the harbor, the bright stars and the breeze.

Shihciouling Fort, Shiqiu Road, Ren’ai District. Built in 1884, this fort was constructed to enhance coast defense when the French attacked Taiwan for the Vietnam problem. Shihciouling is the highest fort among all the forts in Keelung. It is an essential place for the defense of the harbor. The fort was made with solid mountain rocks and the structure was kept well. It is important because it is the only remaining small fort built in late Ching Dynasty. Thanks to its ideal location, the fort offers a great view over the entire harbor of Keelung.

Waimu Shan seashore, +886 2 2425 8245. the longest natural seashore remained in Keelung City with a total of 5 kilometers from Waimu Shan Fishery Harbor to Aoditong Village. The seashore includes open seashore and marine cliff to make a spectacular scenery. Swimming facilities are available near Waimu Shan Fishery Harbor for experienced swimmers to go scuba diving and swimming. The beach near Aoditong Village is the only remaining sandy seashore in Keelung. In the summer, people often go to the beach and have fun swimming. For people who are afraid to swim in the sea, the nearby Octopus swimming pool is also a great choice for some fun. Besides, one should never miss the beautiful sunrise in the summer. The incredible sight makes people feel carefree and joyous. The seashore and the reef rocks sculptured by the ocean over a long period of time are also a must-see.

Lovers Lake. located at the mountainside of Mount Dawulun at the western part of Keelung. It is the only highland in Keelung with dense woods, beautiful lake and refreshing scenery. The park offers different facilities including kiosks, suspension bridge, observation platform, windmills and pathways for visitors to take a walk and enjoy the natural scenery, the beauty of plants and green shower. It is also a great choice to stand on the observation deck to see the seashore. In spring and summer of every year, insects, butterflies and migrating birds often gather here and your visit is mostly welcomed.

  • Sample some of the culinary delights at the night-market - especially the baked crabs and fish ball soup.
  • Visit Taiwan's scenic northeast coast.
  • Take a photo of the replica Statue of Liberty adjacent to the Golden Arches - an ironic statement of American culture taking over in Taiwan.

  • Pineapple Cake
  • Lee Hu Pastry Shop, 90 Ren 3rd Road (near the Miaokou night market, +886 2 2422 3007. 09:00-21:30. In business since 1882, it is the most famous traditional pastry shop in Taiwan.

Lee Hu Pastry Shop, 90 Ren 3rd Road (near the Miaokou night market, +886 2 2422 3007. 09:00-21:30. In business since 1882, it is the most famous traditional pastry shop in Taiwan.

Miaokou Night Market

  • Stinky tofu
  • Oyster omelet
  • Pot-edged pancake soup
  • Bubble ice
  • Fried sandwiches
  • Bean noodle thick soup
  • Shrimp Taiwanese balls
  • Tianbula (Taiwanese Tempura)
  • Shaved ice (with different toppings)
  • Chinese sausages

Heping Island

  • 35 Yuhuo Fish Market, Heping Island (turn right just after crossing the bridge. Excellent fresh seafood, the boats dock nearby. You choose the fish, they cook it for you. Reasonable.

35 Yuhuo Fish Market, Heping Island (turn right just after crossing the bridge. Excellent fresh seafood, the boats dock nearby. You choose the fish, they cook it for you. Reasonable.

  • The Starbucks coffee shop across from the railway station overlooks the harbor, so you can enjoy ship-viewing with your latte.
  • Bubble tea is on every corner- indulge yourself.

  • Jiufen (Chiufen) is a historic gold mining town near Keelung.