Keelung
Keelung, also spelled Chilung (基隆; Jīlóng), is a port city in the north of Taiwan, near the capital, Taipei.
Districts
Keelung is divided into 7 administrative districts:
| Zhongzheng Also written as "Jhongjheng", this district is the city seat of Keelung City. Zhongzheng District includes the nearby Keelung Islet, and the more distant Pengjia Islet, Mianhua Islet and Huaping Islet. |
| Zhongshan As a coastal area, many of the sites are closely related to the sea. This is also where you will find the Baimiweng Fort. |
| Ren-ai At only 4km2 it is the smallest of the districts in Keelung. There are smaller temples dotted around the area and the YM Oceanic Culture and Art Museum. |
| Xinyi An area which contains some of Keelung's parks, and the Gongzi Liao Fort. |
| Anle This district contains Lover's Lake and the Dawulun Fort. |
| Nuannuan Another district peppered with temples to local deities. |
| Qidu The largest district in Keelung, Qidu borders New Taipei City along its western edge. |
Get in
Keelung can be reached from Taipei by either freeway bus or train along the same route, or a longer bus ride along the North coast. Both means of transport are very frequent, and stops for Keelung bound buses by various companies are located all across Taipei.
By train
Probably the easiest way to get to Keelung from Taipei is by commuter trains, which ply the route every 15 to 20 minutes and stop at many stations. Travelers heading to Keelung should be aware that although the city lies on the extreme north end of the main Western Line it is not accessible on all trains running north, many of which are bound for the east coast and will not pass through Keelung but branch off at Badu. Only take trains with Keelung clearly shown as their final destination or you may accidentally find yourself on the train to Taitung - a six-hour journey from Keelung! if this happens to you (usually on an express train), get off before the Badu station.
You can check the train time table here
Keelung is a large area which has several stations on the TRA network:
- 1 Keelung station (基隆車站), No. 5, Gangxi Street, Ren’ai District, ☏ +886 2 2426 3743. Built in 1891, this is the main point of access to Keelung city centre.
Many of the other districts of Keelung are also connected by the TRA network via the following stations:
- 2 Badu station (八堵車站). Built in 1914, the station has served as an important transfer point between the West Coast line and the Yilan line since 1919.
- 3 Baifu station (百福車站). The station is mostly used by commuters traveling to and from Keelung and Taipei, and the only trains that stop here are the local trains.
- 4 Nuannuan station (暖暖車站), No. 51, Nuannuan Street, Nuannuan District. The station was opened in 1919 and is on the Yilan line.
- 5 Qidu station (七堵車站). The station was opened in 1891, during Qing rule. It is the origin station for most of the southbound trains on the West Coast line.
- 6 Sankeng station (三坑車站). Only local trains stop at this station.
By bus
The bus from the East-West bus station of the Kuo-Kuang Bus company (the building also serves as the terminal for the Taipei - Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport service) just to the left of Taipei Railway station is the quickest way to get to Keelung. Buses leave every 10 minutes and go non-stop to Keelung harbor for NT$55 one way, it is best to buy a ticket in advance. Journey time is around 35 minutes under good traffic conditions. The bus station and ticket booths are clearly marked in English. You can also use the 'Easy Card' that operates with the Taipei Metro and local buses. Touch on the sensor when you get on and when you get off.
Several companies operate buses between Taipei and Keelung. The journey can range from between 35 minutes to two hours depending upon the route taken and traffic conditions. Because of the large number of bus routes and stops, the high potential for delay, and the limited English ability of most drivers, taking a bus from Taipei to Keelung is probably not a good idea. Unless you are familiar with the greater Taipei geography and can speak some Taiwanese or Mandarin, it is wiser to take a train and transfer to city buses, MRT (Mass Rapid Transit in Taipei) or taxi to reach your final destination.
By boat
Keelung is one of Taiwan's busiest container ports, second only to Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan thanks to its long deep water harbour. A twice-weekly passenger and goods service to Xiamen is available, operated by the vessel COSCO Star.
A regular domestic ferry to the outlying islands of Matsu is also available, though it is very basic and used mostly by military personnel. The nightly ferry service to Matsu leaves the harbour at 23:00.
Get around
The downtown area is small enough to cover on foot.
Before you getting around you might visit the Keelung City Tourist Information. Tel: (02)24287664
Star Cruise also provided a range of cruising line between Keelung and nearby major cities, you might see Keelung as the center of travel hub to plan your holiday.
See
East Keelung
- 1 Kanziding Fish Market (Kanzihding) (崁仔頂漁市場), Xiaoyi Road, Ren’ai District. Daily 03:00-07:00. The oldest continuously operated and largest fishery distribution center in Northern Taiwan.
- 2 Zhongzheng Park (基隆中正公園), Shoushan Road, Zhongzheng District, ☏ +886 2 2422 3418. This white 22.5-m-high statue of Guanyin (the Buddhist emanation of compassion and peace) overlooks the town and harbor entrance from the top of Zhongzheng Park.
- 3 Ershawan Fort (二沙灣砲台), Zhongzheng Road, Zhongzheng District, ☏ +886 4 2229 5848 ext 116. 9AM-5PM. Also called Haimen Tiansian (海門天險), which means very dangerous gate to the ocean in Mandarin. It was built by the Qing government in 1840. This fort saw action in the 1884-85 Sino-French War. Visitors can view Keelung Harbor from the gun emplacement to feel its significance. Buses: 101, 103 from Keelung Train Station, get off Haimen Tiansian (海門天險) bus stop.
- 4 Keelung French Cemetery (法國公墓). A remnant of the Sino-French War of 1884-85, it is about 2 km from the train station, but still very close to the harbor.
- 5 Keelung Islet (基隆嶼). An easy-to-find islet outside Keelung City. You can see the islet from Keelung, the north coast or northeastern coast, which makes it an important landmark of Keelung.
- 6 Heping (Hoping) Island (和平島). It used to be called She-liao Island. It is the doorway island to Keelung Harbor. It was a main fort built by Spanish in 1626. Inside the park, you can see many eroded rocks and coasts have formed special shapes by the wind and sea. There is a Bridge connects the island to Keelung City, and you can also take bus 101 at Keelung Railway Station, get off at Hoping Island station and walk for about 5 minutes.
- 7 Yong Heng Creative Park, 6 Liuhe Road, Keelung (This is up in the mountains, so you will need either a car or scooter. Taxis may be able to get there but they will be difficult to find one to get back.), ☏ +86 2-2465-8000. 08:30-17:30. A scenic outdoor art park. In 2013, they transformed the mountainside into several large drawings of a panda, duck, and several smaller figures created using thousands of colored wind spinners,
- 8 Miaokou Night Market (From the Keelung railway station walk east straight along the street following the harbor in the direction of the Keelung Harbor Bureau (identifiable at night by its large orange neon sign. The night market is roughly one block from the point where you cross a freeway overpass.). 24/7. Keelung's Miaokou Night Market is famous throughout Taiwan for its large selection of food. It meanders through lanes and alleys in the downtown area surrounding the Dianji Temple (奠濟宮). The night market is easily accessible on foot for most travelers arriving from other cities.
- 9 National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (國立海洋科技博物館), 367 Pei-Ning Rd., Zhongzheng Dist (From Ruifang station, take the Shen'ao line to Haikeguan station; from Keelung station, take bus 103 to the Haikeguan/Bishuixiang stop), ☏ +886 2-24696000. 09:00-17:00, closed Mondays and Lunar New Year's Eve. Kid-friendly marine science museum with exhibition galleries housed in a former power plant, an IMAX theatre, and several educational trails in the adjoining seaside park. NT$200 adults (main exhibition only, IMAX theatre NT$150 extra).
West Keelung
- 10 Gongzih Liao Fort (槓子寮砲台), Lane 141, Jiaozhong St, Xinyi District, ☏ +886 2 2428 2101. Built in the Qing Dynasty at the northeast of Keelung City. This old fort is as significant as the other forts considering its history and architecture. After World War II, it was used as a military facility by the ROC government until a few years ago when it was named a provincial historic site. During the colonial period, the fort was renovated and garrison was placed here after Taiwan was returned to China. Then it was abandoned for a long time. Fortunately, the remains of the fort are well-kept. Walking up to the hill on the fort, one will see the scenes of Heping Island, Badouzih, and Keeling Island right in front of the hill. Walking straight ahead, you will see a complete fort for you to imagine all the wars occurred here.
- 11 Dawulun Fort (大武崙砲台). 09:00-17:00. A very important military base to safeguard the west side of Keelung Harbor. During the Opium War in 1840 and the Sino-French War in 1884, the court of Ching Dynasty sent military forces to guard this place. However, looking at the current structure and feature, the fort was probably renovated during the colonial period. The provincial historic site was located on Mount Tawulun. Located 231 m above sea level, the fort looks down to Lovers Lake to the west, Dawulun Bay to the north, Keelung and East Sea to the east. Walking up on a pebble footpath full of falling leaves, one will see the original structure of the fort, chassis, mechanical belt and storage room. Walls were made from stones with arched windows. Since the platform is at the high point facing the ocean, there are lots scenes to view over northeastern cape from platform, such as Keelung Islet, Waimu Shan seashore and Badouzih.
- 12 Baimiwong Fort (白米甕砲台), No. 37, Guanghua Road, Zhongshan District, ☏ +886 2 2422 4170. It's in the northwest of Keelung harbor, safeguarding the harbor with the fort on the east shore. It was an important military base since the Ching Dynasty. The rectangle-shaped fort facing the sea is comprised of three sections: barbette, control center and observation station with the control center on the west of barbette and the observation station on the right. Both places are great choices for visitors to overlook Keelung Harbor. The scenery is refreshing and beautiful; hence, it has become a popular sightseeing and leisure place for local residents. Find a nice summer evening to enjoy the lights on boats in the harbor, the bright stars and the breeze.
- 13 Shihciouling Fort (獅球嶺砲台), Shiqiu Road, Ren’ai District. Built in 1884, this fort was constructed to enhance coast defense when the French attacked Taiwan for the Vietnam problem. Shihciouling is the highest fort among all the forts in Keelung. It is an essential place for the defense of the harbor. The fort was made with solid mountain rocks and the structure was kept well. It is important because it is the only remaining small fort built in late Ching Dynasty. Thanks to its ideal location, the fort offers a great view over the entire harbor of Keelung.
- 14 Waimu Shan seashore (外木山情人湖濱海大道), ☏ +886 2 2425 8245. the longest natural seashore remained in Keelung City with a total of 5 kilometers from Waimu Shan Fishery Harbor to Aoditong Village. The seashore includes open seashore and marine cliff to make a spectacular scenery. Swimming facilities are available near Waimu Shan Fishery Harbor for experienced swimmers to go scuba diving and swimming. The beach near Aoditong Village is the only remaining sandy seashore in Keelung. In the summer, people often go to the beach and have fun swimming. For people who are afraid to swim in the sea, the nearby Octopus swimming pool is also a great choice for some fun. Besides, one should never miss the beautiful sunrise in the summer. The incredible sight makes people feel carefree and joyous. The seashore and the reef rocks sculptured by the ocean over a long period of time are also a must-see.
- 15 Lovers Lake (情人湖). located at the mountainside of Mount Dawulun at the western part of Keelung. It is the only highland in Keelung with dense woods, beautiful lake and refreshing scenery. The park offers different facilities including kiosks, suspension bridge, observation platform, windmills and pathways for visitors to take a walk and enjoy the natural scenery, the beauty of plants and green shower. It is also a great choice to stand on the observation deck to see the seashore. In spring and summer of every year, insects, butterflies and migrating birds often gather here and your visit is mostly welcomed.
Do
- Sample some of the culinary delights at the night-market - especially the baked crabs and fish ball soup.
- Visit Taiwan's scenic northeast coast.
- Take a photo of the replica Statue of Liberty adjacent to the Golden Arches - an ironic statement of American culture taking over in Taiwan.
Buy
- Pineapple Cake
- 1 Lee Hu Pastry Shop (李鵠餅店), 90 Ren 3rd Road (near the Miaokou night market), ☏ +886 2 2422 3007. 09:00-21:30. In business since 1882, it is the most famous traditional pastry shop in Taiwan.
Eat
Miaokou Night Market
- Stinky tofu
- Oyster omelet
- Pot-edged pancake soup
- Bubble ice
- Fried sandwiches
- Bean noodle thick soup
- Shrimp Taiwanese balls
- Tianbula (Taiwanese Tempura)
- Shaved ice (with different toppings)
- Chinese sausages
Heping Island
- 1 35 Yuhuo Fish Market, Heping Island (turn right just after crossing the bridge). Excellent fresh seafood, the boats dock nearby. You choose the fish, they cook it for you. Reasonable.
Drink
- The Starbucks coffee shop across from the railway station overlooks the harbor, so you can enjoy ship-viewing with your latte.
- Bubble tea is on every corner- indulge yourself.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
- 1 Huadu Hotel Keelung (華都飯店), ☏ +886 2 2420 2668. (華都飯店), No. 307, Rényī Road, Ren-ai District.
- Sea Point B&B Guest House (好望角咖啡民宿), 86 Sanjan Rd, ☏ +886 2 2496 1788.
- 2 Imperial Hotel Keelung (Hua Guo Hotel), 基隆市仁愛區愛三路49巷18號, ☏ +886-2-2426-7101, price@huaguohotel.com. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Less than 1 minute walk to Miaokou Night Market. Services: 24 hr front desk service, free coffee and tea, free in-door guest parking, free Chinese buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi Internet access, social area, free newspaper and magazine, self-service laundry room (washing NT$40/dryer NT$40), elevators, free luggage storage area, cable TV and LED TV, central AC. NT$1400 for a double room.
Splurge
- 3 Evergreen Laurel Hotel (長榮桂冠酒店), 62-1 Zhong-Zheng Road, ☏ +886 2 2427 9988. Great views over the harbor from the top floor restaurant.
Go next
- Jiufen (Chiufen) is a historic gold mining town near Keelung.
| Routes through Keelung |
| END ← | N  S |
→ New Taipei → Taipei |
| END ← | N  S |
→ New Taipei → Taipei |