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
Swimming in Winter? I arrived in Keelung at the start of winter in Taiwan (January), and I was told that it would be too cold to swim in the ocean just outside of my window (more or less). I, of course, felt an inconsolable sadness after hearing this as one of my favorite hobbies was to swim with aquatic … Read More
The most famous Keelung Fish Market: Kanziding Fish Market The Keelung Kanziding Fish Market is the main fish market in Northern Taiwan and one of the top tourist attractions on the island. It’s a unique experience to walk through the market streets brimming with people and trucks full of fish (at midnight when it opens!), appreciate the abundance of life … Read More
Finding a little quiet time for yourself in Keelung After a full day of visiting Keelung’s Renai day market, the E-square mall, and the many stores, cafes, and little restaurants in the downtown core, you might want to find a little place to sit down and have a little quiet time for yourself. Recommend: Keelung’s Lido Butterfly Garden Keelung’s … Read More
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 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
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
