THE PORT OF KEELUNG, ALSO KNOWN AS KEELU GHARBOR, IS LOCATED IN THE VICINITY OF KEELUNG CITY, TAIWAN.

KEELUNG WAS FIRST INHABITED BY THE KETAGALAN, A TRIBE OF TAIWANESE ABORIGINE. THE SPANISH EXPEDITION TO FORMOSA IN THE EARLY 17TH CENTURY WAS ITS FORST CONTACT WITH THE WEST ; BY 1624, THE SPANISH HAD BUILT SAN SALVADOR DE QUELONG, A FORT IN KEELUNG SERVING AS AN OUTPOST OF THE MANILA- BASED SPANISH EAST INDIES.

KEELUNG CITY, FORMERLY KNOWN AS “CHICKEN COOP” (PRONOUNCED THE SAME AS “KEELUNG” IN MANDARIN IS LOCATED AT THE NORTHERNMOST TIP OF TAIWAN’S MAIN ISLAND. THE NAME OF THE CITY HAS BEEN CHANGED INTO KEELUNG IN THE QING DYNASTY.

WITH ONE SIDE FACING THE SEA, WHILE THE OTHER 3 SIDES SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAINS, KEELUNG HAS NATURAL DEEP-WATER HARBOR IN SUPERIOR CONDITIONS. BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ITS GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION, KEELUNG HAS BEEN WALKING ON THE MAIN TRACK OF TAIWAN’S HISTORY. THE REMAINS OF FORT SAN SALVADOR AND THE MONASTERY ON HEPING ISLAND ARE EVIDENCE THAT THE SPANISH AND THE DUTCH USED TO MEET ON THE BATTLEGROUND HERE IN THE 17TH CENTURY DURING THE AGE OF DISCOVERY.

KANZAIDING STREET IN THE CITY CENTER IS THE FIRST STREET BUILT BY THE QING ARMY IN KEELUNG, AND SHIQIULING IS THE FIRST TUNNEL IN THE HISTORY OF CHINESE RAILWAYS. FURTHERMORE, THE SPECIAL LOCAL SNACK “ CHIKUWA” IN KEELUNG IS A TRACE LEFT BY THE JAPANESE RESIDENTS DURING THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION.

BACK THEN, UP TO ONE-THIRD OF KEELUNG’S POPULATION WERE JAPANESE RESIDENTS, AS KEELUNG PORT USED TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT HARBOR IN TAIWAN AT THAT TIME.

IN THE PAST, KEELUNG WAS BEST KNOWN FOR ITS DELICIOUS LOCAL SNACKS AT MIAOKOU NIGHT MARKET. IN RECENT YEARS, NEW ATTRACTIONS AND LOTS OF BOUTIQUE CAFES HAVE EMERGED, SUCH AS CHAOJING PARK AND HEPING ISLAND PARK, ETC. WITH A RICH HISTORY, BEAUTIFUL MOUINTAINS AND THE SEA, KEELUNG HAS SO MUCH MORE WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED.

PORT GUIDE

PORT FACILITIES AND LOCATION

Cruise ships in Keelung dock at berths on the East and West side of the ports. In both terminals tourism information (including ferries tour schedule times) and maps are provided and major currencies can be exchanged. From the cruise port, downtown is within approximately 10 min walking distance. There is a free WIFI at Keelung Cruise Terminal. There us also an ATM, Currency Exchange Counter and a Convenience Store.

PORT NAME AND LOCATION MAP

Keelung Port (aka Keelung Harbor/locode TWKEL) is in the city's vicinity. All facilities are operated by the state-owned company "Taiwan International Ports Corporation".n 2016, Taiwan was ranked Asia's 3rd-largest cruise travel market - following China and Singapore. In 2017, Taiwan’s cruise industry value reached about USD 162 million. In 2016, Taiwan International Ports Corporation reported a total of 493 ship calls handled and about 750,000 cruise passengers served. Season 2017's projections were for over 1 million passengers.

The port is located in the center of Keelung. It's possible to reach the Miaokou Night Market on foot. Train and bus stations are also very close to the port. Keelung nightmarket is about 0.4 km. from the port.

TRANSPORTATION/ TRAVELLING AROUND THE PORT OF KEELUNG (TAIPE)

Keelung Train Station is an 8-minute walk across the basin. From here you can reach Taipei in about 45 to 50 minutes.

Once in Taipei, you can either walk or take the subway to the attractions you want to visit.

directions_bus

Buses depart to Taipei from Maritime Plaza. Departures are every 10 to 20 minutes and the journey time is about 50 minutes depending on traffic.

Once in Taipei, a hop-on hop-off tourist bus allows you to visit the city's attractions.

If you choose to rent a car or a taxi, compare prices.

LONGSHAN TEMPLE

Longshan Temple is nearly 300 years old, making it one of Taiwan’s oldest temples. It’s a sacred site that has survived bombings, earthquakes, and more during its lifetime.

ZHONGZHENG PARK

Zhongzheng Park is situated on the side of Dashawan Mountain, which is in the east of Keelung City. There is a white statue of Goddess of Mercy in the park. This 25-meter high statue has become one of the characteristics of Keelung. The park overlooks Keelung City and the harbor. There are three levels in the park. On the first level is a historic cannon fort. On the second level is a Buddhist library, Martyrs' Shrine, and Zhuputan Temple. The temple attracts many worshipers on July 15. On the third level is Guanhai Pavilion. Sitting in the pavilion, visitors can see the entire Keelung and the ocean. The statue of Goddess of Mercy is the landmark of Zhongzheng Park. It is the biggest Goddess statue in Southeast Asia. Inside the statue is a stairway leading to the top. Zhuputan is where worshipers gather on Zhongyuan Festival. The first immigrants to Taiwan used to fight with each other for land. In order to stop the disputes, they set up a temple for yearly worship. The temple was in Gaosha Park during the Japanese occupation and moved to Zhongzheng Park. The Big Buddha Monastery of Guanyin in the park has become a landmark for ships coming back to the port. Maitreya Buddha with a laugh all the time welcomes every tourist's visit. The towering and magnificent Chupu Altar is the official place of ghost festival in Keelung Harbor. From the pavilion, you can look over the Keelung Harbor district in which ships come back and forth. It is also a good place to view the seascape at dusk.
Shoushan Rd., Xinyi Dist., Keelung City

Parking lot

Self-paid parking lot down the Big Buddha Monastery

Time

Open space. No time limit.

Ticket

Free

Journey

Take Keelung buses 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 202, 203 to City Government bus stop and walk to park. Or, take Keelung buses 107, 202, 203, 204 to Keelung Hospital bus stop, after passing the Zhongzheng Park Gate follow the stone steps uphill or follow Shoushan Rd. uphill.

DAY TRIP TO JIUFEN

The picturesque mountain town of Jiufen was once a major mining town during the Japanese gold rush. Today, it’s a popular spot for tourists looking to get away from the bustle of Taipei. Getting to Jiufen is only a two-hour journey round trip, making it an ideal getaway during your visit to Taiwan.

There are many unique teahouses in Jiufen. These teahouses are best stops during visit to this mountain village. Also, there is the beautiful ocean view of Keelung outer sea.

The most prosperous shopping district is Jiufen Old Street. It goes through most of the village. There are many visitors on the street. Along the street there are shops vending the most famous country snack of Jiufen, yam dish and various local dishes. There are some historical items well reserved. The trip to Jiufen is full of fun and delights. Jiufen has many accommodation places provided by local residents. If you were not in a hurry, you may want to pick a nice inn and stay for the starlight and fishing lights at night.

THE HUANGJIN WATERFALL OR GOLDEN WATERFALL

Not only did this waterfall have a pleasing size (it was wider than it was tall) with a vein-like percolating appearance, but its underlying rock had a striking bright brownish orange color to it. It’s a short distance from Jiufen.

PINGXI

Pingxi is the name of a district in northern Taiwan, not far from the capital Taipei and part of New Taipei county. The district is home to several small towns that are located along the railway and in three of them – Jingtong, Pingxi and Shifen – sky lanterns are released.

This place is ancient and unique by its custom of releasing sky lantern. The Taipei Pingxi Sky Lanterns were released originally to let others know that the town was safe. These lanterns are decorated with wishes and images relating to the owner. These two events are known together as "Fireworks in the South, Sky Lanterns in the North."

It is considered good luck to release a sky lantern, and many Asian people believe they are symbolic of problems and worries floating away. Price for 1 white lantern is TWD150 and 4-color one is TWD200. One lantern is enough for group of 3 or 4. There will be staff from lantern shop to guide you what to do. Also they takes many photos and videos for you no matter how many phones, camera that you give to them .

YEHLIU GEOPARK

Yehliu is a cape of about 1,700 meters long formed by Datun Mountain reaching into the sea. When overlooked from above, the place is like a giant turtle submerging into the sea. Thus, it is also called "Yehliu Turtle." Because the rock layer of seashore contains sandstone of limestone texture and it is subject to sea erosion, weathering and earth movements, there is particular scenery consisting of sea trenches/holes, candle shaped rocks, and pot shaped rocks.

LOVERS LAKE COASTAL BOULEVARD (WAIMUSHAN SEASHORE )

Waimushan seashore is the longest natural seashore remained in Keelung City with a total of 5 kilometers from Waimushan fishing port to Aoditong Village. The seashore includes an open seashore and marine cliff to make spectacular scenery. Swimming facilities are available near Waimushan fishing port for experienced swimmers to go snorkeling and swimming. The beach near Aoditong Village is the only remaining sandy seashore in Keelung. In the summer, people often go to the beach to swim and have fun. For people who are afraid to swim in the sea, can enjoy other facilities. 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.

TRY STREET FOOD AT KEELUNG NIGHT MARKET

No trip to Taipei is complete without a stop at one of the city’s night markets, where cheap market meals rival some of the swankiest upscale restaurants in the city. It’s here at Keelung that you’ll get a proper taste of the culinary scene of Taipei. Whether you’re looking for touristy shopping or organized tours of the market, there’s something for all types of travelers.

DIANJI TEMPLE

Dianji Temple was built in 1873, which is the biggest temple in Keelung City. People worship Kaichang Holy King here. The ancient people of Keelung mostly came from Min Nan, so they extremely respect Kaichang Holy King. People mainly worship Kaichang Holy King, also other gods. Therefore, Dianji Temple is also called “Holy King Temple”. On the way to feast on the gourmet at Keelung Night Market eateries, visitors may come to appreciate its sculpture and unique architectural illustration. On the lunar February 15th of every year, Dianji Temple will hold ceremonies; it will be populous for three to four days.

THE NATIONAL CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL

The National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is an impressive monument in memory of the late president of the Republic of China, Chang Kai-Shek. To reach the main hall, you need to climb up 89 steps, which represent Chang Kai-Shek’s age when he died. The changing of the guard ceremony takes place every hour on the hour from 09:00 in the main hall. In addition to the majestic main hall of the memorial, the exquisite Chinese garden around the building and the vast plaza are also worth visiting. If you come here in the early morning, you can see people practicing Qigong on the grounds.

The memorial hall is white with a blue roof, representing the dominant colors in the ROC flag; while the emblem of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) adorns the vaulted ceiling. A bronze statue of Chiang looks west symbolically to the Presidential Office Building and mainland China. The front plaza of the hall is also a major venue for democratic assemblies.

NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM

With its permanent collections of 700,000 artifacts and art works, it holds the most beautiful pieces that shows the rich millennia of Chinese history.

The National Palace Museum offers the most comprehensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts dating back thousands of years to the Qing and Ming Dynasties, making it an ideal excursion for history and art lovers during a Taipei cruise. The scale of the National Palace Museum makes the Forbidden City in Beijing pale in comparison. Schedule as much time as possible here for a chance to study all four levels of the museum. Guided tours are even available in English, too.

THE MARTYR SHRINE

The Kaohsiung Martyrs' Shrine was originally the Japanese-built “Takao Kotohira Shrine”, but was rebuilt, with the addition of a mountain gate, main hall, the front hall, corridor and pavilion, with golden glazes tiles traditionally used Chinese temples, filled with a solemn, imposing atmosphere. The Martyrs' Shrine is surrounded by ancient pines, a quiet and secluded environment. The front of the Shrine is covered in greenery, timeless, and looking down, the beautiful scenery of the harbor can be seen- the Shrine has already become the best place for tourists to take in the varied elegance of Kaohsiung during the day and at night.

Officially the National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine, the shrine was built to honour the fallen Kuomintang soldiers after the Chinese Civil War (and subsequent government relocation to Taiwan), and is home to around 390,000 spirit tablets honouring the lives and sacrifices of the KMT soldiers during the war against the communists in mainland China.

Built in 1969, the complex contains the main shrine, as well as several small exhibitions along the perimeter.

Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00

TEL:+886-7-5210368　

Address: No.32, Jhongyi Rd., Gushan Dist., Kaohsiung City Taiwán, R.O.C

A major attraction at the shrine is the hourly ceremony for the changing of the honor guard in front of the main gate. This majestic shrine honors the Republic of China's war dead. Marvel at the soldiers' precision at the changing of the guard ceremony that occurs every hour.

DOME OF LIGHT

It is located at Formosa Boulevard metro station which is recognised as most beautiful metro station in Taiwan.

The Dome of Light was created by renowned artist Narcissus Quagliata. The dome is the world's largest public art installation made from individual pieces of colored glass. It also commemorates the harrowing birth of Taiwan's democracy. Despite its location at Kaohsiung's busiest metro stop, the Dome of Light holds the solemnity of a cathedral.

SHOPPING NEAR THE TAIPE (KEELUNG ) PORT

Taipei is famous not only for markets and stalls but enormous shopping malls scattered throughout the city. The Night Market in Taipei is one of the most popular with locals and tourists alike, where the smells of grilled foods wafts through the air and crowds gather to eat, stroll, and buy. Hinduism has clearly influenced many of the shapes and structures that local artisans create and sell in the markets here. Bring home organic tea or handmade wooden sculptures as souvenirs.

FOODIES

Taiwanese cuisine is characterized by some of the best street food in the world. Taiwanese cooking is a branch of Chinese cuisine, so meals tend to be based around white rice, while pork is the most commonly eaten meat. Chicken is common; beef is enjoyed, except by the small portion of the population who for traditional (rather than religious) reasons never consume it

Some of the popular and amazing entrees at the Miaokou Night Market include Crab Thick Soup, glutinous oil rice, one-bite sausage and rice pot sticker soup—a dish highlighted by Anthony Bourdain.

Some of the best street food are :

Xiao Long Bao (Soupy Dumplings) -The bite-size dumpling contains minced pork, which is then wrapped in thin flour skin pleated on the top, and steamed in a bamboo basket. The most special part of the delicacy is the rich savoury soup inside the dumpling.

Gau Bao (Taiwanese Pork Belly Bun)

The Spring Onion Pancake (Tianjing Chong Zhua Pancake) -Scallion pancake is a popular Chinese street food, a breakfast pancake with a lovely crispy shell and soft inside.

Peanut Ice Cream Roll -An ice cream sundae tucked into a thin spring roll wrapper, this dessert originates from Yilan county, Taiwan.

LOCAL CURRENCY AND TIPPING CUSTOMS

The official currency of Taipei is the New Taiwan dollar (TWD), and you won’t have luck trying to use euros or U.S dollars during your time in Taiwan. ATMs are common all over the city and at banks, and you’ll find credit cards are widely accepted in Taipei, too, but it’s a good to keep cash on hand for small transactions and local markets. Tipping isn’t customary, but it’s polite to tip 10% to tour guides, waitstaff, and bartenders. Tipping your taxi driver isn’t necessary, but it’s kind to round up to the nearest dollar.