Keelung

Getting there

Keelung can be reached from Taipei by either freeway bus or train along the same route, or a longer bus ride along the North coast. Both means of transport are very frequent, and stops for Keelung bound buses by various companies are located all across Taipei.

By train Probably the easiest way to get to Keelung from Taipei is by commuter trains, which ply the route every 15 to 20 minutes and stop at many stations. Travelers heading to Keelung should be aware that although the city lies on the extreme north end of the main Western Line it is not accessible on all trains running north, many of which are bound for the east coast and will not pass through Keelung but branch off at Badu. Only take trains with Keelung clearly shown as their final destination or you may accidentally find yourself on the train to Taitung - a six-hour journey from Keelung! if this happens to you (usually on an express train), get off before the Badu station. You can check the train time table here Keelung is a large area which has several stations on the TRA network:

1 Keelung station (基隆車站), No. 5, Gangxi Street, Ren’ai District, ☏ +886 2 2426 3743. Built in 1891, this is the main point of access to Keelung city centre. (updated Jun 2019) Many of the other districts of Keelung are also connected by the TRA network via the following stations:

2 Badu station (八堵車站). Built in 1914, the station has served as an important transfer point between the West Coast line and the Yilan line since 1919. (updated Jun 2019) 3 Baifu station (百福車站). The station is mostly used by commuters traveling to and from Keelung and Taipei, and the only trains that stop here are the local trains. (updated Jun 2019) 4 Nuannuan station (暖暖車站), No. 51, Nuannuan Street, Nuannuan District. The station was opened in 1919 and is on the Yilan line. (updated Jun 2019) 5 Qidu station (七堵車站). The station was opened in 1891, during Qing rule. It is the origin station for most of the southbound trains on the West Coast line. (updated Jun 2019) 6 Sankeng station (三坑車站). Only local trains stop at this station. (updated Jun 2019)

By bus The bus from the East-West bus station of the Kuo-Kuang Bus company (the building also serves as the terminal for the Taipei - Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport service) just to the left of Taipei Railway station is the quickest way to get to Keelung. Buses leave every 10 minutes and go non-stop to Keelung harbor for NT$55 one way, it is best to buy a ticket in advance. Journey time is around 35 minutes under good traffic conditions. The bus station and ticket booths are clearl

Getting around

The downtown area is small enough to cover on foot. Before you getting around you might visit the Keelung City Tourist Information, ☏ +886 2 24287664. Star Cruise also provides a range of cruising line between Keelung and nearby major cities, you might see Keelung as the center of travel hub to plan your holiday.

See

East Keelung 1 Kanziding Fish Market (Kanzihding) (崁仔頂漁市場), Xiaoyi Road, Ren’ai District. Daily 03:00-07:00. The oldest continuously operated and largest fishery distribution center in Northern Taiwan. (updated Jun 2019) 2 Zhongzheng Park (基隆中正公園), Shoushan Road, Zhongzheng District, ☏ +886 2 2422 3418. This white 22.5-m-high statue of Guanyin (the Buddhist emanation of compassion and peace) overlooks the town and harbor entrance from the top of Zhongzheng Park. (updated Jun 2019) 3 Ershawan Fort (二沙灣砲台), Zhongzheng Road, Zhongzheng District, ☏ +886 4 2229 5848 ext 116. 9AM-5PM. Also called Haimen Tiansian (海門天險), which means very dangerous gate to the ocean in Mandarin. It was built by the Qing government in 1840. This fort saw action in the 1884-85 Sino-French War. Visitors can view Keelung Harbor from the gun emplacement to feel its significance. Buses: 101, 103 from Keelung Train Station, get off Haimen Tiansian (海門天險) bus stop. (updated Jun 2019) 4 Keelung French Cemetery (法國公墓). A remnant of the Sino-French War of 1884-85, it is about 2 km from the train station, but still very close to the harbor. (updated Jun 2019) 5 Keelung Islet (基隆嶼). An easy-to-find islet outside Keelung City. You can see the islet from Keelung, the north coast or northeastern coast, which makes it an important landmark of Keelung. (updated Jun 2019) 6 Heping (Hoping) Island (和平島). It used to be called She-liao Island. It is the doorway island to Keelung Harbor. It was a main fort built by Spanish in 1626. Inside the park, you can see many eroded rocks and coasts have formed special shapes by the wind and sea. There is a Bridge connects the island to Keelung City, and you can also take bus 101 at Keelung Railway Station, get off at Hoping Island station and walk for about 5 minutes. (updated Jun 2019) 7 Yong Heng Creative Park, 6 Liuhe Road, Keelung (This is up in the mountains, so you will need either a car or scooter. Taxis may be able to get there but they will be difficult to find one to get back.), ☏ +86 2-2465-8000. 08:30-17:30. A scenic outdoor art park. In 2013, they transformed the mountainside into several large drawings of a panda, duck, and several smaller figures created using thousands of colored wind spinners, 8 National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (國立海洋科技博物館), 367 Pei-Ning Rd., Zhongzheng Dist (From Ruifang station, take the Shen'ao line to Haikeguan station; from Keelung station, take bus 103 to the Haikeguan/Bishuixiang stop), ☏ +886 2-24696000. 09:00-17:00, closed Mondays and Lunar New Year's Eve. Kid-friendly marine science museum with exhib

Do

1 Waimu Shan seashore (外木山情人湖濱海大道), ☏ +886 2 2425 8245. the longest natural seashore remained in Keelung City with a total of 5 kilometers from Waimu Shan Fishery Harbor to Aoditong Village. The seashore includes open seashore and marine cliff to make a spectacular scenery. Swimming facilities are available near Waimu Shan Fishery Harbor for experienced swimmers to go scuba diving and swimming. The beach near Aoditong Village is the only remaining sandy seashore in Keelung. In the summer, people often go to the beach and have fun swimming. For people who are afraid to swim in the sea, the nearby Octopus swimming pool is also a great choice for some fun. 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. (updated Jun 2019) 2 Lovers Lake (情人湖). located at the mountainside of Mount Dawulun at the western part of Keelung. It is the only highland in Keelung with dense woods, beautiful lake and refreshing scenery. The park offers different facilities including kiosks, suspension bridge, observation platform, windmills and pathways for visitors to take a walk and enjoy the natural scenery, the beauty of plants and green shower. It is also a great choice to stand on the observation deck to see the seashore. In spring and summer of every year, insects, butterflies and migrating birds often gather here and your visit is mostly welcomed. (updated Jun 2019)

Buy

Pineapple Cake 1 Lee Hu Pastry Shop (李鵠餅店), 90 Ren 3rd Road (near the Miaokou night market), ☏ +886 2 2422 3007. 09:00-21:30. In business since 1882, it is the most famous traditional pastry shop in Taiwan. (updated Jun 2019)

Eat

Miaokou Night Market 1 Miaokou Night Market (Keelung Night Market, 基隆廟口夜市), Ren 3rd Rd and Ai 4th Rd (From Keelung railway station, walk east straight along the street following the harbor towards the Keelung Harbor Bureau (identifiable at night by its large orange neon sign). The night market is roughly one block east from the freeway overpass.). 24/7, but most active in the evening. Miaokou Night Market is famous throughout Taiwan for its large selection of food. It meanders through lanes and alleys in the downtown area surrounding the Dianji Temple (奠濟宮). The night market is easily accessible on foot for most travelers arriving from other cities. (updated Apr 2025) At the market, seek out these specialties:

Stinky tofu Oyster omelet Pot-edged pancake soup Bubble ice "Nutritious Sandwich", with enough frybread, mayo, and sausage to keep your nutrition levels high all day. Bean noodle thick soup Shrimp Taiwanese balls Tianbula (Taiwanese Tempura) Shaved ice (with different toppings) Chinese sausages Baked crabs Fish ball soup

Heping Island 2 35 Yuhuo Fish Market, Heping Island (turn right just after crossing the bridge). Excellent fresh seafood, the boats dock nearby. You choose the fish, they cook it for you. Reasonable.

Sleep

Budget

Mid-range 1 Huadu Hotel Keelung (華都飯店), ☏ +886 2 2420 2668. (華都飯店), No. 307, Rényī Road, Ren-ai District. Sea Point B&B Guest House (好望角咖啡民宿), 86 Sanjan Rd, ☏ +886 2 2496 1788. 2 Imperial Hotel Keelung (Hua Guo Hotel), 基隆市仁愛區愛三路49巷18號, ☏ +886-2-2426-7101, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Less than 1 minute walk to Miaokou Night Market. Services: 24 hr front desk service, free coffee and tea, free in-door guest parking, free Chinese buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi Internet access, social area, free newspaper and magazine, self-service laundry room (washing NT$40/dryer NT$40), elevators, free luggage storage area, cable TV and LED TV, central AC. NT$1400 for a double room. (updated Feb 2016)

Splurge 3 Evergreen Laurel Hotel (長榮桂冠酒店), 62-1 Zhong-Zheng Road, ☏ +886 2 2427 9988. Great views over the harbor from the top floor restaurant.

Go next

Jiufen (Chiufen) is a historic gold mining town near Keelung. Yehliu, Wanli, a harbor town with spectacular hoodoo rock formations at Yeliu Geopark.