The Most Fortified City and Its Hidden Forts Keelung is the most fortified part of Taiwan.[1] The landscape is a strategic masterpiece evidenced by its history of defensive positions in each era of occupation. For example, the Japanese occupation beginning in 1895 spawned nearly 700 bomb shelters resulting in Keelung’s claim to the highest density of hiding spots in all … Read More
The Most Fortified City Keelung is the most fortified part of Taiwan.[1] The landscape is a strategic masterpiece evidenced by its history of defensive positions in each era of occupation. For example, the Japanese occupation beginning in 1895 spawned nearly 700 bomb shelters resulting in Keelung’s claim to the highest density of hiding spots in all of Taiwan. [2] Hidden … Read More
There are only a handful of countries in the world that have survived to the modern day while having been coveted by so many major powers. Some famous ones like Poland springs to mind. Sandwiched between larger neighbors and even disappearing off the map for a good century, they’ve had a less than enviable history. Or Vietnam, a country that’s … Read More
What do fallen empires leave behind? The Keelung remains from previous empires that can be found around town are astonishing. In a scene of the movie “The Life of Brian”, a zealot asked an assembled group of other zealots: “What have the Romans given us?” The round answers in turn: “The aqueduct?” “And the sanitation.” Et cetera. Finally, the zealot … Read More
Visit Keelung Not so long ago, Keelung was known as the town of butterflies. What I like about this city, although it is not as big as Taipei, is that you can find everything: typical city attractions like squares, restaurants and shops, historic buildings and markets are just a short walk away. But if you want to get away from … Read More
It was my first time to visit Keelung. Keelung surprised me. I never expected the tourism in this area to be so advanced. The city is well-connected with the nearby Taipei through various shuttles that run regularly until midnight, but it is also extremely easy to get to its beautiful neighboring areas. I never imagined to find so many buses … Read More
Keelung was once an important battlefield in northern Taiwan. This port city welcomed the new ruler of Taiwan and defeated the invaders. Due to different wars and rulers in the past hundred years, most buildings wouldn’t have been able to survive without renovation. However, atop the hills surrounding the Keelung port area, you can find ruins of a key structure in … Read More
20 minutes from Keelung City Bus Station, I get off the mini 301 bus next to a bunch of shipping containers and head up a narrow road. I’ve headed out for the day to explore the remains of Baimiwong Fort. The Google Maps directions are a little sketchy, and there’s not really any walking route up the steep hill. I … Read More
