Download Article PDF [link] Introduction Duānwǔ jié (端午節), also referred to as Lóngzhōu jié (龍舟節), literally translating as Dragon Boat Festival, is celebrated as a national holiday in China (Yuan, 2009), as well as Taiwan. As a traditional Hàn (漢) Chinese celebration, it is calculated by the dates of the lunar calendar (Nónglì, 農曆) and always occurs on the … Read More
Download Article PDF [link] Lunar New Year: The Astronomical Foundations of the Calendar System The Luni-Solar Calendar (陰陽曆, Yīnyánglì): A Dual System of Time The Lunar New Year (農曆新年, Nónglì Xīnnián) also known as Spring Festival (春節, Chūnjié) is derived from the luni-solar calendar (Yuan, 2016), also known as the yīnyánglì (陰陽曆)(McHenry, 1997). This dual-calendar system integrates both solar and … Read More
Keelung’s Bakery and Traditional Sweets Mrs Kang and her Zhongqi Western Bread Upon entering Mrs Kang’s shop on Keelung’s Yiqi Road, the smell of fresh bakery entices my nostrils. Then, I notice the shiny wide ovens, the steaming pots and other traditional tools. I know I’ve found the right spot to taste some Taiwanese traditional sweets. Even though Mrs Kang’s … 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
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
You might think the mysterious island you see just through the mist of the bay (Keelung Islet) is Keelung’s closest island, but that title actually goes to Heping (Peace) Island. Known as Sheliao Island in the past, Heping Island was the area’s earliest development zone before Fujian immigrants came to northern Taiwan, and it has had a rich history since … Read More
In addition to the Asahikawa River, another covered river flows into the Keelung Port: the Xi Ding River. Its basin is known as the Oyster Shell River, and it now refers to the major area of the Anle District. Here every lunar April, you will find the unknown but lively festival, welcoming Guandu Mazu (the Chinese Goddess of the Sea). … Read More
