Keelung TravelKeelung Travel

Heping Island is believed to be the origin of the name "Keelung". Constantly shaped by northeast monsoons and ocean waves, the island features fascinating geological formations such as mushroom rocks, tofu rock slabs, and sea caves. The island’s Alabao Bay was named one of the top 21 sunrise spots in the world. At low tide, you can spot the “Leopard Rock,” which appears to come alive as morning sunlight dances across its spotted surface—an unforgettable natural spectacle.

Located next to Xian Dong Yan, Buddha's Hand Cave is a naturally formed sea cave. At its deepest end, the rock wall displays a natural formation resembling a five-fingered hand,believed to be shaped by centuries of erosion, hence the name Buddha’s Hand Cave. In earlier times, the cave was used as a dwelling and later served as an air-raid shelter during World War II. Today, it’s a fascinating spot for visitors interested in geological formations and local history.

Xian Dong Yan is the largest sea cave in the Keelung area, formed by natural coastal erosion. Legend has it that a celestial being once attained enlightenment here, which is how the cave got its name. Inside, you'll find a temple built during the Qing Dynasty, dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva and the Three Treasures Buddha. The inner cave walls are adorned with carved Buddhist statues and calligraphy inscriptions left by Qing-era scholars, offering both spiritual and cultural richness for visitors.

A significant cultural heritage site in Taiwan, the park connects several historically important ruins, such as the Dashawan Stone Fortifications, the Fortress Commander's Residence, the Fort Command Headquarters Housing, the Sino-French Memorial Park, and the Taiping Steamer Memorial Park. The park also features a live house and exhibition spaces, making it a creative hub and a cradle for music enthusiasts and bands.

Keelung Tower is a newly built vertical elevator pathway that connects the city’s lower streets with the back courtyard of Zhuputan Temple on Keelung Hope Hill (Zhongzheng Park). Designed as a convenient solution for both residents and visitors to travel uphill, the tower also serves as a new landmark and scenic lookout, offering a place to admire the mountains, sea, and urban landscape of Keelung. The structure embodies the concept of soaring vertically, inspired by the imagery of gantry cranes commonly seen at Keelung Port’s container terminals. As the elevator ascends, the panoramic view of Keelung Port gradually unfolds, culminating in a breathtaking vista where sky, sea, harbor, and city blend into one expansive scene. At night, dynamic lighting transforms the vertical shaft into a glowing beacon reminiscent of a coastal lighthouse. Additionally, art installations near Fengdao Bridgehead soften the tower’s form and give it a cultural flair, making it not only a functional vertical link, but also a popular photo spot and an emerging symbol of Keelung.

Foreigners who visit Ren'ai Market for the first time and see the numerous meats, fruits, and vegetables, dim sum, with the sounds of peddlers hawking one after another, you will think that you have come to a large-scale complex traditional market. But as long as you go up the escalator to the second floor, and you will find that it is totally different than you think inside. It turns out that the whole market shows the rich and diverse culture of the common people in Keelung. The history of Ren'ai Market can be traced back to 1909, and it was the largest non-staple food supplier in Keelung during the Japanese occupation. The current market building was opened in 1989, not only integrating residential buildings and markets but also equipped with underground parking lots. At Ren'ai Market, you can find local street foods and Keelung specialties. It is not an exaggeration to say that Ren'ai Market is a civilian department store. Especially in recent years, via the promotion of the Internet, Ren'ai Market has become one of the favorite food places for young people. Now going to the market and eating food has become a trendy culture in Keelung, and many stores have gradually developed their own good reputation.