Explore Keelung – a fascinating stop near Taipei (Taiwan)

Keelung, or Keelung City, is located about 30 km from the center of Taipei, near the northernmost tip of Taiwan. It is an ancient port city with a rich history. Originally, Keelung was inhabited by the Ketagalan indigenous people. In the 17th century, a Spanish expedition arrived in Keelung, marking Taiwan's first contact with the West. As Formosa (the former name of Taiwan) slowly broke free from Spanish influence, the Dutch took control of Keelung, using its port as a key link for intercontinental trade.

Today, Keelung is a tranquil city with a population of around 300,000. One notable feature is the lack of large numbers of tourists, despite its proximity to popular destinations like Jiufen and Shifen. When people think of Keelung, they often imagine the harbor and the city's museums. However, there is much more to Keelung than that.

Keelung offers many fascinating experiences you might not know about

Keelung is located very close to the capital city, Taipei, so many tourists often include Keelung as part of their trip to explore Taipei. The most common modes of transportation from Taipei to Keelung are buses or trains. Both bus and train routes run frequently, and the journey takes less than an hour. Here are your options:

- Kuo-Kuang Bus 1813 from Taipei Bus Station

- Take a train from Songshan Station

Both buses and trains to Keelung stop near Maritime Plaza, right by the riverside. From there, you can easily walk to the city's main attractions.

Keelung is only about 30km from the heart of Taipei

- Keelung Zhongzheng Park (Zhongzheng Park): Unlike typical parks full of greenery, Keelung Zhongzheng features temples, shrines, colorful stalls, and is highlighted by a 22-meter tall statue of Goddess Quan Yin. Every year, the park hosts the Mid-Summer Ghost Festival – one of the most famous festivals in Taiwan.

- Khoo Tsu-song Mansion (Qingyu Hall): This historic mansion, built in 1931, sits on a hillside offering panoramic views of the city. The architecture is striking with its red brick walls and window frames that evoke the past... A thrilling and exciting discovery for those who love historical experiences.

- Zhengbin Fishing Port: Located about 5km east of downtown Keelung along the coast, Zhengbin Fishing Port is a vibrant and colorful spot. Established by the Japanese in the 1930s, it was the largest fishing port in Taiwan during the Japanese era. The colorful fishermen's houses hug the coastline, reflecting on the crystal-clear water. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Taiwan, thanks to its charming vintage atmosphere.

- Keelung Night Market (Miaokou Night Market): The Miaokou Night Market in Keelung will not disappoint you. It not only offers a wide array of delicious Taiwanese specialties but also has a unique, lively atmosphere. You can sample a variety of tasty dishes here, especially fresh seafood.

The Khoo Tsu-song Mansion is one of the most famous attractions in Keelung

Another suggestion for you is that Keelung offers plenty of high-quality hotels at affordable prices. So, if you're planning a trip to Taiwan and want to save on accommodation, consider staying overnight in Keelung instead of Taipei. This way, you'll also have more time to explore Keelung itself.

We hope the helpful information shared above will assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip to Taiwan. Don't forget to call 1900 2083 to get quick and efficient flight booking assistance from Mytour.