Guiding the route in English I was slightly worried that I wouldn’t get anything out of the experience because I don’t speak Chinese, but I was very wrong. The tour guide, Ilun, speaks wonderful English and was able to tell me a lot. The group i was in were all Taiwanese, but I never felt out of place. As it … Read More
The Keelung Night Parade takes place two weeks after the end of the Ghost Month. When the time comes, huge dancing figures take over the streets of Keelung. The entire city gets wrapped by the smoke from firecrackers and the smell of incense. The usual noise of the motorcycles is replaced by melodies from trumpets and drums. And people of … 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
Baimiweng Fort Baimiweng Fort is located at the western entrance to the port of Keelung. It is the smallest of the four forts of Keelung, but in exchange offers a wonderful view of the sea and on the harbor (from a small hill next to the fort). The fort served as an artillery battery and was used in this role … Read More
For musician Chen Wen-Ji, Beiguan music was a chance discovery that led to a lifelong love affair. Origins of Beiguan Music In a cramped room with no heating or light, I sat with my friend Mila across Chen Wen-Ji in an informal interview setting. Distant suonas (嗩呐) cut through the air with its uniquely loud screeching, gus (鼓; drums) … Read More
A harbor city makes for great entertainment when it’s dark. Here are our recommendations when you visit Keelung at night. Maritime Plaza Keelung’s heart and soul. Watch the eagles soar, the boats drift in, and the bright neon lights at night. A great spot to relax, eat and watch the world go by before visiting many of the city’s … Read More
6 Must Visit Spots: It’s not always sunny in Keelung but if you catch a nice day: Here are some spots to visit during a daytime walk. YM Oceanic Culture & Art Museum This museum is much less scientific than the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology. Exhibits (in Mandarin and usually English) include a section dedicated to … 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
Busy and crowded streets, cafés and bakeries everywhere … a month ago, when I first arrived in Keelung (also known as Jilong), I never expected to find this. Because of the poor images found on the internet and lacklustre comments about the town from some Taiwanese friends, I had a completely different expectation from the reality. Once I got here, … Read More
Many people come to Keelung to visit the famous Miaokou Night Market. In addition to enjoying tasty snacks, there are many interesting hidden wonders near the market. By the side door of Tien-Ji Temple, you can find one of these little gems: Herb Alley. The entrance is next to the famous A-Hua fried noodles stand. “Keelung Herb Alley” refers to … Read More