Hidden in an alley less than ten minutes from the busy harbor of Keelung, stands a small shop selling incense and religious goods. The shop has been around for nearly a century, quietly witnessing the city’s evolution.
Inside the shop, shelves are lined with incense and brightly colored ritual paper offerings. The shop is run by Chen Shu-Qing, a third-generation owner. She has run the shop for many years and continues to do so as a way to keep traditional temple practice culture visible. Chen Shu-Qing has lived in Keelung for many years and holds special memories of it from her childhood days.
Name: Chen Shu-Qing
Job: Owner of Xinyu Yihang (新裕益行)
"Most people think Keelung memories are all about the train station, but for those of us living here, we went to the harbor. There were giant floating logs by the shore, and we would jump from one to another"
What makes Keelung unique?
It has both mountains and the sea. It has beautiful scenery.
The city was developed quite early so in the past, there was a lot of economic activity and people coming in from the outside. However, because it’s an older area, it isn't as modern as newly developed cities. There’s also a lot of rain here, but for those of us used to living here, it’s actually fine.
What is something people might not know about Keelung?
The Ren’ai District is the oldest developed community in Keelung. It used to be a commercial hub with huge crowds, where all kinds of goods were moved in and out.
Later, the city expanded outward. While the outer roads were widened, the alleys here stayed narrow. This path used to be called the "Official’s Road". In the past, it was reserved for officials. Nowadays, teachers bring children here because if you follow this path, there’s a temple that leads straight to what was the government site. Back then, the surrounding areas were just undeveloped marshland; our street was the very first to be developed and has many old shops.
Last time someone visited, they discovered there are over a dozen shops in this district that are nearly a century old. Our shop is also the oldest in this particular trade; others have either just opened or have already closed down.
What place in Keelung holds special memories for you?
There was a place near the City Hall that was torn down and turned into the current Cultural Center; we played there all the time as kids. Most people think Keelung memories are all about the train station, but for those of us living here, we went to the harbor. There were giant floating logs by the shore, and we would jump from one to another. It was right by the fenced-off area of Keelung Port. Even though I’m a girl, I’d join in and jump too. There was also a seaside swimming pool over in Sanshawan that I really miss.
Where is the best place to eat in Keelung?
The top choice is definitely Miaokou Night Market. But as locals, we don’t eat at Miaokou that often because we’ve had it since we were kids. I actually prefer going elsewhere, like the second floor of Ren’ai Market; there are lots of great eats there. It’s going to be renovated soon though, so if you want to try it, you should go quickly. Besides the market, there’s also good food near the train station. There's shrimp bisque and savory rice porridge near the station.
Do you have a top recommendation for a seafood restaurant in Keelung?
A lot of people like sashimi, but I personally don't like it too much. If you don't want raw fish, there are many great seafood restaurants on the outskirts of Keelung. Also, almost all the "re chao" (stir-fry) shops right here in town cook quite well. There's one called "Xi-Bei" near Ren 2nd Road, or there’s another good option on Jijin 1st Road. There’s a very famous one called "Ming-Wei" over on Jijin 1st Road. That one is known for their lobster sandwiches.
Leave a Reply