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.

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.

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.