Working Remotely in Keelung: Hidden Spots Away from City Life

Hidden Spots in Keelung

Ever found yourself caught up by work on your travels? Some of the digital nomads among us might relate to the feeling of work taking away your ability to enjoy your destination. However, work and sightseeing do not have to be mutually exclusive: rather, Keelung has many beautiful spots to get work done. Today, I’ll guide you around several spots hidden from the ruckus of the city roads, both cozy spots outside and remote outdoor areas, that are perfect for remote work.

A Nursery Nustled in Zhongzheng Park

Located below Zhongzheng Park, following Shoushan Rd alongside Keelung City Municipal Chengong Junior High School, you will come across several signs directing you towards a public toilet. Following this path, I first came across a lovely temple with some intricate detailing. Continuing down, I found an arched gate inscribed in Chinese characters with exotic plants and a beautiful pond filled with fish on the other side. This was a very tranquil spot!

At the entry point for the toilet, I found a lovely white and red three-story shelter. I climbed the structure and found a spectacular view of the lush forest beneath me and the Keelung skyline. The city voices drowned out as their woes seemingly got muffled in the thick forestry that surrounded us both.

Through the trees behind me, I spotted a somewhat-abandoned nursery. Crossing a narrow bridge on the second floor of the tower, I entered the nursery, filled with colors and nostalgia. It also looked like a great place to work, as there are chairs and tables in both the shade and sun.

If you get tired of sitting down, there is plenty space to stretch your legs. Continuing from the nursery, you’ll enter a forest laid out with some old stone paths. I recommend emerging at the far east side of the park, where you’ll find an old dilapidated tower with platforms tilting from side to side.

Here are some pictures I took on my trip to the loo.

Remote Work Locations in Zhengbin Port and Heping Island Park

At Zhengbin Port, you can find a range of nice cafes to get work done right by Keelung’s famous Rainbow Houses. Alternatively, on a quiet day you can make your way to Heping Island Park, where you can get a coffee at one of the cafes in the park and work, overlooking the sea, as the sun sets. If you’re looking for utter isolation, I recommend walking up Zhengbin Road past the Agenna Shipyard Relics and Indigenous Culture Hall where you’ll find some steps opposite a car park. These steps will lead you up through forest to some aboriginal wood-carved totems and an observation desk over looking the sea. Here you can sit down and work in the comfort of silence and isolation. I must also note on your way up you’ll find a lovely bridge you may want to take some photos on, as you can see below.

Stop at the Yellow Light at Lao Che Cafe

You can find refuge from city life at Lao Che Café, located on Zhongxing Road, Xinyi District. Its entrance features a bright yellow traffic light, so you definitely will not miss it. Inside you’ll find various retro scooters and gadgets decorating the walls. They offer a wide selection of treats, including coffee, fruit and cream smoothies (my personal recommendation), a selection of tea, toast, sandwiches, and red wine stew, all priced fairly reasonably.

In my experience the proprietress is very friendly and helpful towards those who lack proficiency in the Chinese. I personally come by here often!

A Tranquil Escape by Khoo Tsu-song Old Mansion

In search of Khoo Tsu-song Old Mansion, I got a bit lost after taking a wrong turn up a passage of stairs. However, I stumbled upon Ren’ai Park, where I came across a lovely shelter with a large round table and wooden stools. Its only short walk away from town, yet still is a perfect escape from the all the noise. This shelter is a pleasant place to get some ideas rolling without being disturbed. If this were a ranked list, this shelter would probably be my top choice to get work done, considering its accessibility, convenience, tranquility, and beauty.