Peace at Lovers Lake There are many reasons to come and visit Keelung, one of those rare cities surrounded by nature with a balance of urban life and quiet oases just a short trip away. There is the bustle of the night markets, the history of the museums, the quiet of the temples, and also the beauty of Keelung’s nature. … Read More
If tea is the national drink of Britain, vodka is the national drink of Russia, and soju is the national drink of South Korea, then bubble tea must be the national drink of Taiwan. The origin of the bubble tea is not clear: it is sometimes said that it was invented in Taichung, some other times in Tainan. Bubble tea … Read More
How did I get to Keelung and heard about Pudu? Six months ago, I decided I wanted to travel to East Asia. I didn’t know where I wanted to go, but with a newly earned bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies and an interest in conducting research, I knew I wanted to immerse myself in a culture I had never experienced … Read More
Everyone talks about the tasty food in Taiwan, and how could they not! But I’d like to talk about its forgotten brother: Coffee. In this article I will tell you all about the up and coming Taiwanese coffee shop scene, so buckle up! Why am I writing about coffee? I used to own a cafe in Europe for several years … Read More
Have you ever wondered what happened to the Shinto shrines built by the Japanese colonial regime in Taiwan after World War II? Why were there Shinto shrines in Taiwan? There existed a de facto state religion in the Japanese Empire, the so-called State Shinto 国家 神道 (kokka shintou). In Japanese colonies, as well as areas occupied by Japan during the … Read More
Similarities in Faraway Places It is a rare wintry sunny morning in the oft rainy port town of Keelung. I ascend the rooftop of Keelung For A Walk, sticky aromas of coffee and cigarettes clinging around me as I gaze upon the hills that cradle the town and welcome in the sea air. The morning sun graces us with her presence like an … 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
Jiufen is one of the most touristic spots in Taiwan and a must visit place for many travellers. It is barely 15 km away from Keelung and you can easily get there by bus in around 50 minutes (Bus number 788 stops right in front of Jiufen’s Old Street). Another great option is to rent a car or motorbike for … Read More
One of your first stops when you visit Keelung will probably be its amazing night market, one of the biggest attractions in the city. But if you want to burn some calories after tasting the amazing local food you have several hiking options near Keelung. In this post we’ll explore the Keelung hiking route that passes by Mountain Hongdan, which … 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