Keelung

One of the larger night markets in northern Taiwan, Keelung Miaokou Nigh Market (基隆廟口夜市) surrounds Dianji Temple and is located a short walk from Keelung Harbor. It has been in operation for more than 40 years and occupies a space of about 400 meters and several city blocks. Temples often serve as both a spiritual and physical foundation of night markets in Taiwan and Keelung's is no different. The Miaokou part of the name literally means “temple entrance”. If entering from the harbor area, you will have to cross one of the numerous bridges spanning the narrow river that bisects the town, but pay attention as you do: each bridge is flanked by stylistic representations of the 12 Chinese zodiacs. Test your knowledge of traditional culture by trying to find them all!

More than 200 food stands offer up regional as well as national delicacies. No need to worry about finding something tasty to eat; the bigger problem will be having enough appetite to taste all of the delicacies on display! Among the more famous dishes are Taiwanese style tempura “tianbula” (天婦羅), pot rim rice soup “ding bian cuo” (鼎邊銼), pork rib soup “pai gu geng” (排骨羹), one bite sausages “yi kou xiang chang” (一口香腸), a huge variety of fried, roasted, and steamed fresh caught seafood, and bubble ice “pao pao bing” (泡泡冰) to cool you off in the summer months.  

Once a notorious landfill, Chaojiing Park is now a popular spot for families with children to learn more about marine life. The spectacular view over the ocean is breathtaking, and the quaint little town of Jiufen and Keelung Mountain are also well in sight. Within the park, recreational facilities are provided for all, from the vast grassy field, well-established bike trails to benches on the lookout point and spacious sandpits. Whether it is a leisurely stroll, a breezy ride or a lovely picnic, Chaojing Park has it all. From March to May when the red algae are in bloom, within the park you will see a multitude of algae being dried under the scorching sun.

Guided tours are available and can be reserved in advance. The experienced guide will provide insightful information on the rich and diverse intertidal marine community, where you might be even able to see how local fishermen harvest their catch. Before the sun goes down, treat yourself to a relaxing walk along the beach with the warm sand and cool waves at your feet, and nothing but the sound of the ocean.

The National Museum of Marine Science and Technology is located in Badouzi, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City. It is situated with mountains behind it and the sea in front. The museum's site was originally a thermal power plant built during the Japanese colonial period.

The museum aims to promote understanding and appreciation of the ocean through exhibitions, education, research, and leisure activities. The complex features various themed halls covering marine science, technology, Taiwanese maritime culture, and the relationship between humans and the ocean.

Key exhibits include the Main Exhibition Building with galleries on topics like Marine Science and Fishery Science, the i OCEAN center which combines marine life with technology for an immersive experience, and the free-entry Regional Exploration Gallery focusing on local history. The museum also has an 8K IMAX Theater showing high-definition films.

The Intelligent Ocean (i OCEAN), an affiliate of the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, is Taiwan's first virtual-reality aquarium that centers around "marine technology". Located in the coastal area of Badouzi in Keelung, it combines exhibits of over 320 species of marine life with cutting-edge technologies, such as 5G immersive experiences, VR underwater tunnel adventures, and interactive projections.

By integrating the virtual and the real, i OCEAN provides visitors with an engaging, immersive experience that is both educational and entertaining, making it an ideal destination for families. It is a significant marine life conservation and breeding base in northern Taiwan.

Waimushan Seaside Scenic Area is the longest natural coastline in Keelung City, stretching for approximately 5 kilometers from Waimushan Fishing Port to Dawulun Aodi Fishing Village. This coastal area features a dramatic landscape, with rugged cliffs on one side and the vast expanse of the ocean on the other. A well-maintained cycling path runs along the coast, offering visitors a relaxing way to walk, bike, or jog while enjoying the picturesque sea views.

The landscape features rock formations shaped by erosion and offers views of Keelung Islet and sunsets. Amenities include a seawater swimming pool for experienced swimmers and a sandy beach near Dawulun Aodi fishing village.

Yehliu is the most popular attraction along North Coast. Countless visitors are willing to queue for a long time under blazing sunshine, just to take a picture with Queen’s Head (女王頭) in the geopark. Due to the fame, foreign travelers and tourists from Mainland China coming in tour buses just flood all over the place and leave no space for taking a picture unless you are interested in the crowd. Therefore, experienced guides would always try to persuade their tour members to go to Heping Island in Keelung instead. The place has the same kind of mushroom rocks in earthy yellow and the geographic surface eroded by seawater and wind as Yehliu. Additionally, there is a seaside swimming pool where tourists can bring their swimwear here and jump in for a safe swimming. However, some elders may have their sunbathe beside coast. As washing facilities are provided, no need to worry about cleaning messed children after going wild on beach. If you had come with barbecue tools, feel free to enjoy a meal on their grill. In case of unbearable to the heat, an air-conditioned indoor area provides you a shelter from the sun and a place for savor the delicacy and sea view at one.

Zhengbin Fishing Harbor, located in Keelung's Zhongzheng District, is a historic port established in 1934 during the Japanese colonial period. It was once Taiwan's largest fishing port and a key hub for exporting gold from Jinguashi.

The port's role changed over time. To boost tourism, old houses along the harbor were painted in vibrant, pastel colors. These colorful buildings, alongside fishing boats, have led to the port being nicknamed "Taiwan's Venice".

Today, Zhengbin Fishing Harbor is a popular spot for photos and tourists. Visitors can enjoy the scenery, dine at waterside cafes, and explore nearby sites like the Agenna Shipyard Relics and Heping Island Park.

Most of tourists going to Keelung nothing else but visit Miaokou Night Market (廟口夜市) or enjoy sea breeze at Keelung Harbor. We could find many sightseeing spots neighboring at mountains and ocean around this hilly city with dense population - Heping Island (和平島) is a popular spot among them. However, the entry fee and visiting tour group from Mainland China somehow spoil the quietness of the place. As an alternative, we recommend Badouzi, which is free for visit and less popular. It is located at a hill behind National Museum of Marine Science & Technology (海科館, 國立海洋科技博物館), and only takes 10 minutes to reach a trail which is built alongside a cliff. Walking on the trail, visitors can admire giant stones grown with grass, ocean in azure color and nearby Keelung Islet (基隆嶼). In case of tiresome from sunlight, feel free to rest at the elevation, sit down with ice tea and raise your head to watch clouds flowing through the sky.

Keelung Islet, located about 6 kilometers northeast of Keelung City, is one of northern Taiwan's most iconic island landmarks. As an uninhabited volcanic island, its main attractions are its unique volcanic rock geology and abundant ecological resources. Its graceful parabolic silhouette makes it one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Keelung".

The island features walking trails and pavilions. Visitors can explore the native plant life, including Formosa lilies that bloom in the spring. The trail leads to the Keelung Islet Lighthouse, Taiwan's first unmanned solar-powered lighthouse, providing panoramic ocean views.

Keelung Islet was strategically important for military purposes, and some military structures remain. It is now a popular tourist spot. Visitors can depart from Bisha or Badouzi Fishing Ports by boat to land on the island, travel around it, and see the sea-eroded rock formations.

Recommended Itineraries

Tours to Keelung Islet are usually half-day trips, including travel time by boat. The suggested time on the island depends on the tour:

• 2-in-1 Tour (Island Landing + Circumnavigation): About 2 hours.
• 3-in-1 Tour (Island Landing + Lighthouse Hike + Circumnavigation): About 3.5 hours.
• 4-in-1 Tour (Island Landing + Lighthouse Hike + Circumnavigation + Elephant Trunk Rock): About 4.5 hours.

Note that actual times may vary depending on the boat operator, schedule, and weather.

The Shen'ao Rail Bike, located in New Taipei City, is a unique destination that blends natural scenery with the joy of cycling. The rail bike trail extends along the coastline from Badouzi to Shen'ao, covering a distance of 1.3 kilometers. As riders pedal along, they can feel the sea breeze on their faces and take in the breathtaking beauty of the mountains and sea. This journey is the perfect way to explore the wonders of nature and is an ideal choice for family outings.

On the route of the Shen'ao Rail Bike, there is a special light sculpture tunnel that presents a visual wonder resembling an underwater world. Accompanied by music that syncs with the changing lights, riders feel as if they are immersed in a dreamlike ocean, providing a dual sensory experience of sight and sound. This tunnel not only serves as a great spot for photos but has also become a highlight for visitors to share and connect, with many families and friends capturing memories there.

The history of the Shen'ao Rail Bike dates back to the Japanese colonial period when it was originally a light railway responsible for transporting goods such as sugar, salt, and coal. As one of Taiwan's most beautiful coastal branch lines, this railway has gradually transformed into the rail bike path it is today, while still preserving its historical charm and offering modern travelers a new interpretation and experience.

In terms of features, the Shen'ao Rail Bike also offers adorable pufferfish-shaped bicycles, perfect for family outings. This unique design allows children to enjoy the fun of cycling while parents can easily soak in their family time. In addition to regular cycling activities, the Shen'ao Rail Bike occasionally organizes various themed events, such as romantic summer night sky rail adventures, making the travel experience even more diverse and enjoyable.

The route connects Badouzi Station and Shen'ao Station, with either station serving as a starting point. You have the flexibility to choose between a one-way or round-trip ride. Each single journey takes 30 minutes, and trains depart hourly.

Besides the Shen'ao Rail Bike, the surrounding area also features attractions like Shen'ao Fishing Port and Elephant Trunk Rock, making it a great place to plan a day trip. Visitors can leisurely explore these famous sites and fully experience the natural and cultural charm of New Taipei City.