I recently had the privilege of joining a very special walking tour with Keelung For A Walk: The Ghost Festival Tour. Despite the fact that there are currently no English tours happening (and likely won’t be for some time as COVID-19 has meant such restrictive travel measures), I was able to accompany the group for a Chinese tour, of which … 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
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 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 during the … 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 explore the beautiful Mountain Hongdan, which is at walking distance from the center … 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
Foreign fishermen in Keelung? To find out why Taiwanese people aren’t going out to sea anymore and who replaced them, I went to the harbor to investigate. Keelung and the Sea Keelung has always had its connection to the sea. From the aboriginal cultures who worship nature to the arrival of Japanese traders and fishermen in the 1700s. Keelung and … 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
It’s not always sunny in Keelung but if you catch a nice day: Here are the 6 must-visit 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 fishing villages … Read More
Throughout the year, there are many Keelung festivals to visit. Most of these festivals operate according to the Chinese Lunar calender, so dates will vary from year to year. If you are planning on visiting Keelung or Taipei during these times, make sure you do not miss these lively festivities as Keelungers love a good reason to celebrate! February/ March … Read More