Keelung has no shortage of boutique, specialist stores selling hand-crafted goods skillfully prepared by the city’s locals. A good day in Keelung could simply involve wandering from shop to shop, browsing everything from art supplies and collector edition books to handmade clothes and camera parts. If premium handmade leather goods is what you’re after, then Tzaba is the place to … Read More
Keelung is a multicultural city, bringing in residents from Japan, China, the Philippines, and Indonesia. A diverse and culturally broad population can breathe new life into a city and introduce a mix of perspectives, cultures and cuisines, all of which create a varied and exciting cityscape. Rowena was born and raised in the Philippines but has spent the last 27 … Read More
No city is complete without a distinct creative energy, driven forward by the underground painters, musicians and writers who capture the essence of their city through their creative medium. A peaceful walk down the river will lead you to Riverside Gallery, a bright and modern little space where the walls are lined with beautiful watercolours and detailed sketches. These pieces … Read More
No Taiwanese city is complete without a vibrant night market, and the Keelung locals are particularly proud of their offering. Keelung’s MiaoKou Market sits right in the centre of the city, constantly busied by tourists and locals seeking anything from fried squid and sweet potato balls to traditional Luo Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice) and Douhua (Tofu Pudding). The night … Read More
Keelung is made famous by its buzzing coffee scene. A trip through the city will introduce you to al fresco diners enjoying their cappuccinos, and cozy corners where locals read their books over a pot of specialist coffee. A short walk from the harbour down Xiao’er Rd, you’ll find Marucorner Cafe, a specialist contributor to Keelung’s cafe culture. The Cafe … Read More
Away from the rush of buses and cars, Keelung’s side streets are bursting with unique character, specialist stores, and spots in-keeping with an urban bohemia. Lane 98, Ai 3rd Road is no exception. Lined with specialist vintage clothing stores, hidden cafes and colourful wall-art, Squid Bar sits comfortably among the popular spots on this quirky street. Inside Squid Bar you’ll … Read More
Filipinos in Keelung: Struggles and Stories Keelung’s Port and the Demand for Foreign Labor Keelung’s prominence as a port city has attracted many immigrants and workers, including a growing community of Filipinos in Keelung, seeking opportunities for a better life. The industries associated with Keelung’s ports(i.e. tourism, trade) create a higher demand for labor. Consequently, these industries typically attract many … Read More
Download Article PDF [link] Lunar New Year: The Astronomical Foundations of the Calendar System The Luni-Solar Calendar (陰陽曆, Yīnyánglì): A Dual System of Time The Lunar New Year (農曆新年, Nónglì Xīnnián) also known as Spring Festival (春節, Chūnjié) is derived from the luni-solar calendar (Yuan, 2016), also known as the yīnyánglì (陰陽曆)(McHenry, 1997). This dual-calendar system integrates both solar and … Read More
Download Article PDF [link] Introduction Keelung, now an increasingly popular tourism destination for Taiwanese as well as overseas travellers, hosts multiple Taoist (Dàoshi, 道士) temples located around the central harbour and Tien-liao river (Tiānliáo Hé, 田寮河) such as Qìng’ān Palace (慶安宮), Diàn jì Temple (奠濟宮) and the City of God Temple (Chénghuáng Miào, 城隍廟). However, non-Mandarin-speaking tourists may not be … Read More
Hip-Hop Culture in Keelung During the day, Huilong Market is a quiet place with a few vendors selling fresh fish, vegetables and fruit. Its bustling heyday of heavy foot traffic with a constant stream of customers are memories to the mostly older generation of stall owners who now pass much of their time sitting and talking with one another. But … Read More
