Breaking Bread: Uncovering the Warmth of Huilong Market with Koufu Food

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 Koufu food & Huilong Market  The second generation owner of Koufu Food, Chen Yuan Yuan On a cool afternoon in Keelung, Taiwan, the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air as we make our way to Koufu Food (口福食品) on Ren’er Road, where fried twisted dough and buns have become synonymous with the bakery. However, the second-generation owner, Chen … Read More

The Culture of Traditional Markets: History Lessons from a Butcher in Huilong Market

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Culture of Taiwan’s Traditional Markets | Characteristics of Taiwan’s Traditional Markets | Disappearing Traditional Markets | History of Taiwan’s Traditional Markets Compared its heydays, Huilong Market is finding it harder to attract passerby and a steady stream of patrons. The vendors instead rely on their regulars to sustain them. During Keelung For A Walk’s interview with Zhou, a butcher at … Read More

Discover the Keelung Night Parade

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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

Experience Taiwan history up close: The Ershawan Fort in Keelung

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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

The Ties That Bind Aboriginal Taiwanese and Polynesians

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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

Taiwan Culture: Interview with Beiguan Musician Chen Wenji

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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

Keelung at Night: 8 Spots to Visit

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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

Intrepid Travels: 6 Must Visit Spots for a Daytime Walk in Keelung

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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

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