A coastal city in northern Taiwan known for its night market, active fishing port, and rainy climate. Visitors often explore the 19th-century hilltop forts and fresh seafood stalls.
Keelung sits 45 minutes from Taipei by train, wrapping around one of Taiwan's largest harbors. In this port city, you can watch cargo ships dock while eating fresh seafood at Miaokou Night Market, walk along the wave-carved rocks at Heping Island, explore 19th-century cannon positions at Ershawan Fort, or climb to the 25-meter white Guanyin statue that looks out over the harbor.
Getting to Keelung from Taipei
Trains depart every 15-20 minutes from Taipei Main Station and take 45 minutes to reach Keelung, costing NT$41. The faster option is bus 2088 from Taipei City Hall station, which reaches Keelung in 25 minutes. Local buses and taxis connect to attractions outside the walkable city center, while the Tourist Shuttle 99 serves most major sights.
Exploring Miaokou Night Market
Miaokou Night Market spans several blocks near the harbor. Vendors set up their stalls after 5 PM, with yellow lanterns lighting the streets on weekends. Try local dishes like dingbiancuo noodles made with fish balls and yellow lilies, peanut ice cream rolls, and fresh seafood soup. Most vendors close around 11 PM.
Coastal Attractions and Parks
At Heping Island Park, waves and wind have carved unique patterns into the coastal rocks. You can swim in natural seawater pools, walk along cliff-side paths, and watch ships pass by. A short distance away, Dawulun Beach stretches for 500 meters with white sand and calm waters. Swimming is best from May to September.
Historical Sites and Viewpoints
From Shoushan Hill in Zhongzheng Park, you can see across the port and city. The park's 25-meter white Guanyin statue stands at the highest point, with several temples below. At Ershawan Fort, built in 1840, you can walk along original stone walls and see cannon placements that once protected the harbor. The elevated position helps you understand why the military chose this location to defend the port.
Weather and Planning
Keelung gets more rain than most Taiwanese cities - about 3,700 millimeters yearly. Morning visits often have clearer weather, while afternoon showers are common. You'll find covered walkways throughout downtown, and many sights have indoor areas.
Where to Stay
While most people visit from Taipei, staying overnight lets you experience early morning market activities and evening harbor scenes. Drizzle Inn near the night market has clean rooms and helpful staff, while E-Coast Star Boutique Hotel's upper floors look out over the harbor. Both properties include free WiFi and are within walking distance of the train station.
