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Shiqiu Hill Fort

As one of the strategic hubs in Taiwan, Keelung is home to an abundance of abandoned military ruins and forts. Given natural protection by its very steep slopes, Shiqiu Hill (literally “lion ball ridge”) was once the main defense of the island as well as the arterial thoroughfare stretching from Greater Keelung to the Qidu District of New Taipei City.

Backdropped by Tiger Head Mountain and Keelung Mountain, the Shiqiu Hill Fort built in 1883 has now been named a national historic site. From the distance, Shiqiu Hill bears a striking resemblance to a tiger playing with a ball (which is the round hill on the top of the mountain ridge).

The cannons are nowhere to be seen today. What’s left in the fort are the fan-shaped fire support bases and an empty military command post for visitors to peek into the wartime past of Taiwan. The fort also offers an amazing bird-eye’s view of Keelung Harbor and Keelung downtown that is therapeutic to one's spirit. Stick around until dusk. Sit back and watch the sun melt into the horizon until the golden glow disappears and the stars come up and fill the sky of Keelung — it is very worth a wait, I’m telling you.

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Nearby

Bitou Cape Park

After passing through Nanya on the Coastal Highway, Bitou Cape (鼻頭角) is a breathtaking scenic retreat worth making a trip to. Bitou Cape is one of the three capes of Northern Taiwan: the other two are Fugui Cape (富貴角), the northernmost cape in Taiwan, and the easternmost Sandiao Cape (三貂角). Bitou Cape, or literally “tip-of-the-nose” in Chinese, is named as such for the nose-shaped cape that protrudes into the ocean. Here you will have a chance to witness a geological “zoo” of sea-eroded landforms such as ocean cliffs and platforms as well as mushroom, honeycomb, and tofu shaped rocks.

Bitou offers three trails that wind around the park area and afford great views of the coastline and intriguing landforms. Take a break at any of the numerous pavilions that dot the cliffs for a seaside excursion like no other. An interesting landmark of the area is the Bitou Cape Lighthouse, first built in 1896 then rebuilt following the WWII Allied bombing of Taiwan, which forms the terminus of the trails.

Fishermen have made this area something of a home for themselves, and you will likely wonder in amazement how they make it down to the rock platforms at the base of the cliffs. This sort of old world living is still found along the northern coast of Taiwan, and is quite characteristic of the quiet serenity of the region.

Attractions

Nanya

Among the many spectacles of the Northeast Coast, Nanya (南雅) may be a rare gem that is easy to miss if you're only keeping your eyes on the road. Nanya is the northernmost attraction of this area, and is a powerful example of the wondrous forces of nature at work. What at first glance may appear to be a typical rocky shoreline is actually a diorama of eroded landforms and seaside stone outcrops. The weathering and wave erosion of this sandstone that has taken place over time have carved out alien like shapes and revealed the layering of iron deposits in these stones. With the lush green mountains standing tall at your back and the never-ending stretch of the Pacific resolutely beckoning before you, can you imagine a more idyllic place to be?

ActivityAttractions

Mystery Coast

Mystery Coast is the closest viewing point for Twin Candlestick Islets where it is connected between Shuiwei Fishing Harbor and Shitoushan Park. Since it was publicized in various travel blogs, this Mystery Coast is no longer an anonymous site to the public.

The entry from side of Shitoushan Park at Jinshan District is now prohibited from public thus majority enters the coast via Shuiwei Fishing Harbor. There is a popular viewing gallery from a narrow path between the rocks and is known for picnic and fishing. Due to its geographical location and wave erosion, rocks there are full of holes.

At Shuiwei fishing harbor, you can also find a tunnel used for war armament named Shuiwei Guangwu, located back of Weiling Temple. Although this tunnel could be a shortcut to Shitoushan park, it is not advisable to walk through as it has been vacated for a long time. However, if you are in luck, you may catch the scene of fire brigades conducting training in the tunnel.

Attractions

Wanli Paragliding

In the Wanli District of New Taipei City, there is a grassy field at the altitude of 185m with an elevation difference of approximately 100m between the highest and lowest points, serving as an excellent take-off and landing site for beginner paragliders. When the weather conditions are favorable, paragliding in Wanli offers you the breathtaking scenery of northern Taiwan. This unique mode of flight is an amazing way to take in all the views, and everyone is welcome to experience this adrenaline-pumping activity. You will be flying over the beautiful mountains of Taiwan while being carried by Mother Nature's wind and amazed by the scenic view overlooking Green Bay and Yehliu Geopark with Keelung Island in the distance.

Paragliding activities run everyday of the year as long as the weather conditions play game. Participants are advised to wear long trousers and trainers with a good grip. During the flight, which lasts for ten minutes or so, you will be accompanied by an experienced paragliding expert and eventually land on the beach of Green Bay. Afterwards, shuttle buses are available to take you back to the field, where you can appreciate the panoramic sea views and watch the colorful paragliders flying right above your head. What a precious scene to enjoy.

ActivityAttractions

Dawulun Fort

If you ever have a chance to visit Waimushan in Keelung, never miss to drop by Dawulun Fort, which is just ten-minute drive from Lovers’ Lake. This strategic frontier fort is the ruins of the Anglo-Chinese War and the Sino–French War during the Qing dynasty and has now been named a national historic site.

The fort offers a commanding panoramic view of the North Coast, including Lovers’ Lake to the west, Dawulunao to the north, Keelung Harbor as well as the Sea of Japan to the east. It is also a great birdwatching spot in northern Taiwan. As the abandoned water storage pond, tunnels, barracks and trenches can still be seen on site, the well-preserved Dawulun Fort continues to tell the history and allows visitors to have a glimpse of the wartime past.

Attractions

Guihou Fishing Harbor

Guihou Fishing Harbor, located in Wanli District, New Taipei City, is adjacent to the famous Yehliu and is classified as a second-class fishing port rich in fishing culture and natural landscapes. The harbor primarily focuses on fishing, and one can often see fishermen bustling about, unloading fresh catches for auction, creating a lively market scene. Local fishermen engage in various fishing methods, including pole and line fishing, gillnetting, and longline fishing. The most popular catch, the Wanli crab, attracts many food enthusiasts during the autumn season who come to taste it.

The vast ocean provides Guihou Fishing Harbor with abundant seafood resources, giving rise to numerous restaurants in the area that offer a diverse range of fresh seafood dishes. These restaurants, especially during the Wanli crab season, draw countless visitors eager to indulge in the local culinary culture. Additionally, the coastal area near the harbor has experienced long-term erosion from seawater, creating unique coastal landforms that showcase a variety of fascinating rock formations, making it an ideal spot for watching sunrises and flickering fishing lights.

Established in 1959, Guihou Fishing Harbor initially faced limitations due to insufficient facilities, restricting the movement of fishing vessels. After several expansions, it now boasts complete harbor facilities, including fishing gear storage and boat hoists, accommodating the entry and exit of large fishing boats. With the increasing number of fishing vessels, the operations at Guihou Fishing Harbor have significantly improved following its expansion, attracting more fishing activities.

Moreover, visitors to Guihou Fishing Harbor can explore the vibrant Guihou Fishermen's Market, an excellent choice for purchasing fresh seafood and enjoying cooked dishes. The atmosphere here is exceptionally lively. Visitors to this market not only experience the vibrant life of a fishing market but also can admire the unique scenery of the nearby coastline, featuring a dramatic shoreline lined with unusual rock formations, along with renowned natural attractions like Yehliu and Emerald Bay. In this place filled with natural beauty and culinary delights, Guihou Fishing Harbor showcases its unique charm.