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 … 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
History Nearly 200 years ago, the Queen’s Head looked at the deity Sacred King – founder of Zhangzhou – floating in the sea. When visitors think about coming to northern Taiwan, many people put Yehliu on the list for its special geological landscape formed over millions of years. In fact, Yehliu has an interesting history and mythos. In 1820, there … Read More
Qidu Village Take a train to the north of Taipei, and you will find some interesting names of railway stations. They are arranged in order from Wudu, Qidu until Badu. “Du” in Mandarin means settlement; in the early days during the time of building settlements, Han Chinese immigrants resisted aboriginal Ketagalans’ attack along the bent terrain of Keelung River, so … Read More