There are only a handful of countries in the world that have survived to the modern day while having been coveted by so many major powers. Some famous ones like Poland springs to mind. Sandwiched between larger neighbors and even disappearing off the map for a good century, they’ve had a less than enviable history. Or Vietnam, a country that’s … Read More
Visiting Keelung History Up Close Before we get to the Ershawan Fort in Keelung, let’s talk history. If you’ve ever been sightseeing in Taipei, you’ve probably noticed that there are hardly any pre-World War II sites left. Taipei is, generally speaking, a city that was deprived of its historical shape by the politics Kuomintang Party governing after the war. It … Read More
In an earlier article, I made a call for establishing a red light district in Keelung. Controversial as it sounds, I believe that Keelung City has the potential to be the Times Square of Taiwan — provided the city is willing, and able, to overcome its taboos and culture of conservatism. During the 1970s and 1980s, New York’s Times Square was the site of … Read More
Are Aboriginal Taiwanese the ancestors of Polynesians? I explored this claim during my recent visit to Keelung. I’ve been traveling with my family for two years around Asia and the Pacific. Learning about history and culture while we travel is always an interesting way to know more about a place. Coming to Taiwan presented me with the opportunity to explore … Read More
Why Are There So Many Foreign Fishermen In Keelung? Keelung is famous for its iconic fishery ports. But upon closer look, there’s something off about the day-to-day activities at the bay – the fisherman manning the ships are foreigners, mainly from Southeast Asian Countries. To find out why Taiwanese people aren’t going out to sea anymore and why they were … Read More
Taiwanese Culture: Origins of the Taiwan Ghost Festival There is a rich history attached to Taiwanese culture. The seventh month of the lunar calendar is recognized as Taiwanese Ghost Month or seventh month festival. In the northeastern part of Taiwan stands the sleepy port city of Keelung. For over 163 years, the small city has mobilized to host an entire … Read More
Throughout the year, there are many Keelung festivals to visit. Most of these festivals operate according to the Chinese Lunar calender, so dates will vary from year to year. If you are planning on visiting Keelung or Taipei during these times, make sure you do not miss these lively festivities as Keelungers love a good reason to celebrate! February/ March … Read More
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
The Rich Taiwanese Culture 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 harbour. You can especially see the life of religious festivals brightening small towns like this. These events are kept quite secret, and … 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