Just a few blocks down from Keelung Miaokou Night Market, you can find the red light district of Keelung. Here the lights are dim, storefronts are partially shuttered and people passing through walk hurriedly with umbrellas hiding their eyes. Rocky ledges of storefronts create a barrier to distance its owners from the street hustlers and scantily clad women; motorcycles zoom … Read More
During the warm season in Keelung, you can enjoy the real Taiwanese culture and it’s lively atmosphere. The streets are populated by merry celebrations such as the carnival procession in memory of the birth of Keelung harbor. You can especially see the life of religious festivals brightening small towns like this. These events are kept quite secret, and most of their web … Read More
When you stay in one place for a long time, you get to know the locals and their daily lives. At the same time, you begin to see some new color to the place you are visiting because everything around you takes on new life, everything has an explanation. The locals are at the heart of Keelung culture. Mr. Peng … Read More
Keelung culture and the Ghost festival are closely intertwined. There are three artisan objects that serve as symbols of the Ghost Festival: molded figurines made of rice (midiao), wooden basket lanterns (doudeng), and paper lanterns. Over time I have been lucky enough to come to know the manufacturer of organic rice dough sculptures, known as midiao. If you search for “midiao” … Read More
Previously, I talked about Taiwan culture and the heart of the Ghost Festival, which as the name implies, is intended for the spirits. This festival in Keelung is particularly cherished because of the historical background of the city. In summary, the city was first invaded by the Chinese, then by the Spanish, by the Dutch, by the French and then by … Read More
During my time in Keelung, I met so many people and saw many places related to the Ghost Festival, an event closely tied into Taiwan culture. If I had to put into words everything I learned about this festival, I think I could write a thesis; I will try to only share with you a brief version. The Ghost Festival is … Read More
People give color to a place, and people are at the heart of Keelung culture. I was lucky enough to talk to the Taoist priest who presides at ceremonies during the Ghost Festival. In the priest’s home was the most complete of all Taoist altars I have ever seen. In addition to the usual gods, it also contained some peculiar … Read More
I came to visit Keelung directly after I lived in Beijing for a year. I taught English and hung out mostly with Westerners, so a huge chunk of that year was spent in my native tongue. I still picked up a little bit of the language, so I guess I’m like a 2 on a scale of 10 in Mandarin. … Read More
You might think the mysterious island you see just through the mist of the bay (Keelung Islet) is Keelung’s closest island, but that title actually goes to Heping (Peace) Island. Known as Sheliao Island in the past, Heping Island was the area’s earliest development zone before Fujian immigrants came to northern Taiwan, and it has had a rich history since … Read More
In addition to the Asahikawa River, another covered river flows into the Keelung Port: the Xi Ding River. Its basin is known as the Oyster Shell River, and it now refers to the major area of the Anle District. Here every lunar April, you will find the unknown but lively festival, welcoming Guandu Mazu (the Chinese Goddess of the Sea). … Read More
