Keelung City is a port city located in the northeastern part of Taiwan. It’s just about 30 minutes from the capital Taipei by bus, which is perfect for a day trip!
The city was founded by the Spanish in 1626 and has been subject to various international influences since then. Major historical periods include the Spanish Empire, the Qing Dynasty, and the Empire of Japan. In 1924, Keelung was elevated to a city by the Japanese. After the handover of Taiwan from Japan to China in 1945, the city eventually became part of the Republic of China.
The city is surrounded by various mountains and has a different topography than Taipei or other major cities in Taiwan. Another unique aspect is the fact that the harbor extends into the city center. Visitors, therefore, have easy access to the harbor and the sea. There are also several offshore islands such as Keelung Island, Penjia Island and Mianhua Island, all of which are of strategic importance.
As for the climate, Keelung City has a subtropical climate, and the city is considered one of the wettest cities in the world. The average rainfall is much higher than in other places in Taiwan. Heavy rains often occur in autumn and winter. Therefore, it’s best to take an umbrella with you.
Why you should visit Keelung?
Due to its proximity to the capital, Keelung City is the ideal place for a day trip from Taipei. Thanks to excellent public transportation, you can easily reach both Keelung and Taipei. Moreover, as an industrial port city, Keelung has its own unique flair and represents a different side of Taiwan. The city is easily walkable, so you can easily reach most of the sights on foot. The best way to explore Keelung is to take an exclusive private tour with people who really know the city inside and out. You can sign up for this special experience on our website.
How to get to Keelung from Taipei
It’s super easy! There are several buses from Taipei City Hall Bus Station that connect the two cities in about 30 minutes. You can catch the 2088 or 1813 every 10 minutes or so. Visitors can also use the local train TRA. The train ride takes about 40 minutes and costs NT 41. Trains depart from Taipei Central Station every 15-20 minutes. Here’s a link to the train schedule.
There are a lot of ways to explore Keelung City and there’s always something to do. You can start with the 5 best things to do in Keelung City:
1. Keelung Night Market
Keelung City is famous for its night market in the city center. The market stretches from Ren 3rd Road to Ai 3rd Road and Ai 4th Road. With over 200 booths, street vendors offer a wide variety of food, snacks, and beverages, there is something for everyone. It’s easy to find both Taiwanese and western food at the market and its restaurants nearby.
2. Keelung Zhongzheng Park
Located on the top of a mountain, Zhongzheng Park is home to a Buddhist temple and a Ghost Festival Museum. There are also several impressive statues, one of them being the Goddess of Mercy – the city’s guardian. The most stunning thing however is the view of the city and the harbor. Well worth a visit!
3. Zhengbin Fishing Harbor
For those who love picturesque places, Zhengbin Fishing Harbor is a must. The little port which was built by the Japanese in the 20th century with its colorful buildings is a nice place to take photos. It is located to the east of the city center, nonetheless easy to reach with public transport.
4. Keelung Maritime Plaza
Love talking walks alongside water? Then the Maritime Plaza is a place for you. This place offers a beautiful view of the harbor as well as the mountains.
5. Private Tour with Keelung For A Walk
All the attractions I’ve listed so far are fun things to do in Keelung. If you really want to experience the city’s hidden gems though, you need a local to show you around. This may be difficult since not everyone speaks English or is available for special requests. Thanks to Keelung For A Walk, you can explore a different Keelung City than most other tourists. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a small group tour in Keelung City! 🙂
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