Guide table of content
- Overview of Keelung (基隆)
- History
- Weather
- Why you should visit Keelung
- Points of interest
- Shen’Ao (深澳)
- Shen’Ao Elephant Trunk
- What to eat in Shen’Ao
- Shen’Ao Rail Bike (深澳鐵道自行車)
- Badouzi (八斗子)
- Wangyougu (忘憂谷)
- Chaojing Park (潮境公园)
- National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (國立海洋科技博物館)
- Food in Badouzi
- Heping Island (和平岛)
- Heping Island Outdoor Swimming Pool
- What to eat in Heping Island
- Lovers’ Lake (情人湖公园)
- Keelung Miaokou Night Market (基隆廟口夜市)
- Travelling to Keelung
Overview of Keelung (基隆)
Keelung’s history
Keelung, also known as Jilong, is rich in history. Keelung was first inhabited by one of the tribes of the Taiwanese aborigines, the Ketagalan tribe. The Ketagalan managed to withstand attacks from The Spanish and Dutch in the 17th century, but was not successful in defending against the Chinese. As a result of the numerous wars that took place in Keelung, The Keelung Ghost Festival was started to commemorate the loss of soldiers during these wars and to appease the ‘hungry ghosts’ by offering food and paying respects to them.
Tied closely to the Taiwanese culture, the Keelung Ghost Festival takes place during the 14th day of the seventh lunar month (Usually August or September), where the Gates of Hell are believed to be open for a full month. Each year, one clan out of 30 are chosen to sponsor the Keelung Ghost Festival. Some events that are organized by the clan includes the Bye-Bye ceremony, Releasing of Water Lanterns and the Zhongyuan Passage Ceremony
Keelung’s weather
Due to its close proximity to the ocean and Keelung located on the mountainous region, often times it is raining in Keelung. Summers (April – September) are hot and wet while winters (November – March) are cool and windy.
I would recommend going during the drier season (November – March) so you will be able to appreciate Keelung’s beauty without worrying too much about the weather. Nevertheless, remember to check the weather forecast before heading out to avoid disappointment!
If you are already in Keelung and it starts raining, fret not, because there are several things you can do such as visiting Keelung’s museums and relaxing at cafes.
Why you should visit Keelung
Keelung is picturereque. The Northern coast is often forgotten when one thinks of where to go in Taipei. Not to mention, Keelung is synonymous with the term “seafood paradise” so you will be able to find the freshest delicacies ready to melt in your mouth! The possibilities of what to do in Keelung is endless. That is one of the reason why OWNRIDES decided to launch our new tour for people to explore Taiwan even more.
Points of interest
Shen’ao
Shen’Ao Elephant Trunk Rock
The Elephant Trunk Rock is located on the North coast of Taiwan and is about 5km east of Keelung City. As the sun rises and the orange rays illuminate the sky, this elephant comes to life. A peek down the platform and you can see it spurting water from its trunk. Even with the slippery rocks and undeveloped path, the impressive sight is worth the visit. However, please walk with caution if you intending to take a picture on the elephant as there are cases of people falling to their deaths.
To alleviate your experience, you can swim or snorkel in the clear, sparkling water. Just head past the Elephant towards the ocean, and you will come to a boundless rocky platform with special geological features! From there, you can simply walk into the ocean water.
Where to eat in Shen’Ao?
Bei Bin Flower Mom’s Beef Noodles – 北濱 花媽牛肉麵
Along Ruibin Road, you can spot this shop with its bright yellow sign. You can choose your piping hot beef noodles in three different sizes – Small($90 NTD), Medium ($100 NTD) and Large ($110 NTD). But, don’t be fooled by their name because they sell more than just beef noodles – Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice, Tofu, Dumplings and more!
| Address: No. 5, Ruibin Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224 Contact No.: +886 955 575 119 Opening hours: – Monday to Saturday: 10.30am-8pm – Sunday: Closed Check out for photos here. |
Zhang Rong Xiao Juan – 長榮小卷(小吃店)
A small tuck shop with limited tables, they serve delicious and fresh seafood. They sell a variety of food such as fried noodles ($60 NTD), fried fish ($200 NTD), Si Chuan prawns ($200NTD) beer ($40NTD).
| Address: No. 153, Shenao Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224 Contact No.: +886 930 774 338 Opening hours: – Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 9am-6pm – Saturday & Sunday: 9am-6:30pm – Tuesday: Closed Check out their Facebook here. |
Port Side Seafood Snacks – 港邊海鮮小吃
A small, clean seafood store that uses fresh ingredients to cook. What more can you ask for?
| Address: No. 18-9號, Shenao Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 22447 Opening hours: – Sat & Sun – 9am-5pm – Mon-Fri: Closed Check out their website: https://deli-2652.business.site |
Ocean Mystery Coffee and Music Restaurant – 嵐海祕境咖啡音樂餐廳
嵐海祕境咖啡音樂餐廳 serves coffee, sandwiches, waffles with fruits, wraps and more. With pleasant interior and comfortable seats, this restaurant is perfect to relax and enjoy your day. You can even enjoy the sea breeze if you choose to sit at their outdoor seating area.
| Address: 22447, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Ruifang District, Shenao Road, 16-7號 Opening hours: – Tues-Thurs & Sat-Sun: 9am-10pm – Friday: 9:30am-9:30pm – Monday: closed Contact No.: +886 933 095 157 |
Yu Ji Fried Dumplings – 玉記鍋貼/阿玉鍋貼店
Crispy skin and tender meat inside, Yu Ji Fried Dumplings is fairly popular amongst the locals. Hence, it is common to wait for 15-30 minutes to get your order.
| Address: No. 68, Section 1, Jianji Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224, opposite Shen’Ao Thermal Power Plant Opening hours: – Mon-Sat: 6:30am-11:30am – Sunday: Closed Contact No.: +886 2 2497 1179 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/瑞濱-深澳-阿玉鍋貼/266570420135322 |
Shen’Ao Rail Bike
The abandoned Shen’Ao Line has been recently transformed into Shen Ao’s latest attraction, the Shen’Ao Rail Bike! Stretching 1.3km between Shen’Ao Station and Badouzi Station, you can leisurely ride it while soaking in the splendid view of the mesmerising coast. Only for $150 NTD (One-way) and $250 NTD (2-way), the Shen’Ao rail bike is definitely worth a ride.
The highlight of the 20-30 minutes ride is the tunnel, which you can see in the picture above, reminds me of a sky full of stars.
You should book your tickets in advance so that you won’t be met with disappointment on the actual day itself. A single trip will cost $150 NTD and a 2-way trip will cost $250 NTD. Check out the schedule below to plan for your trip.
For more information, you can check out their official website for more information: https://www.railbike.com.tw//information/detail/1
Badouzi
Wangyougu/Wangyou Valley
The literal translation for Wangyougu is to not worry about your troubles. This is because when you are charmed by the beauty of Wangyougu, you will not have time to worry about the stress in life. A short climb up the stairs to 65 Highland and you will be rewarded by the beautiful shoreline of Northern Taiwan. For a paranomic view of the surrounding area, climb to Highland 80 and Highland 101 and you will not be met with regret.
Chaojing Park
Chaojing Park offers one of the best views of the Northern Coast despite it previously being a landfill. After refurbishment by the National Museum of Science and Technology, Chaojing Park lands itself to be an undisturbed, hidden gem. With a cycling route, art installations and benches to rest on, you will be able to appreciate the view of the Northern Coast.
National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (NMMST)
The NMMST dedicates itself in preserving the natural surroundings and maintaining the sustainable development of the ocean. Even if you are not a marine fanatic, there are multiple exhibitions that will be interesting for you. The numerous interactive displays are perfect for children.
You can find out the prices of the NNMST tickets here, as well as the opening hours here. For detailed information of the exhibitions, you can download their brochure here.
Where to eat at Badouzi
Keelung Seafood Dumpling – 藻遍海餃 | 焱昌企業
Keelung Seafood Dumpling is a little tuckshop that serves extraordinary dumplings – Seaweed dumpling, Flying Fish Dumpling and Prawn Dumpling.
| Address: 202, Taiwan, Keelung City, Zhongzheng District, Badou Street, 65-2號 Opening hours: – Tuesday – Sunday: 11am-2pm, 4pm-7pm, – Monday: Closed Contact No.: +886 2 2469 9053 |
八斗子 忘憂居
This nicely decorated, cozy shop is suitable for young children. Quiet and comfortable, you can enjoy your squid sandwich, flying fish eggs and more!
| Address: No. 78號, Badou Street, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202 Contact No.: +886 2 2469 7699 Opening hours: – Wed – Fri: 12pm-5pm – Sat:11am-6pm – Sun: 11am-5pm |
Yong Zheng Breakfast – 永宸早餐
For breakfast or brunch, 永宸早餐 they serve cheap (Price range from $15 NTD – $60 NTD) and good food such as sandwiches, Flying Fish Egg omelet, Pistachio Quiche and Milk Tea.
| Address: No. 239, Beining Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202 Opening hours: 5.30am-1pm daily For more information, check out their official website here. |
Shang Deng Beef Noodle Restaurant(上等牛肉麵)
This beef noodle restaurant is near the NNMST and will definitely provide a warm and hearty meal for the day.
| Address: No. 2, Badou Street, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202 Opening hours: – 11am-9pm daily – Timing may differ during public holidays |
Badauyo – 八斗邀友善餐廳
Baduayo’s unique point is the authenticity of their food. The owners are environmentally conscious and advocates the awareness of environmental protection thus providing simple and healthy meals. Since their products are carefully sourced, you will need to call to make a reservation days prior to your visit.
| Address: No. 35, Badou Street, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202 Contact No.: +886 2 2469 0800 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/badauyao/ |
Tanawat Thai Cuisine
Nicely decorated with sufficient lighting, this cosy restaurant should be your go-to if you’re craving for delicious Thai Food at an affordable price point! If you’re still not convinced, check out their Facebook page where they have 5 out of 5 stars from 81 different people and also the hilarious replies from the owner on Google Reviews! Message them on Facebook Messenger and remember to withdraw some cash before heading to the restaurant.
| Address: No. 4弄11號, Lane 251, Xinfeng Street, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 20251 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TanawatThaiCuisine/ Opening hours: – Wed – Mon: 1230 – 1430 and 1700 – 1945 – Tuesday: Closed |
海風小徑
A tiny eatery with seaside view, you can de-stress and put your worries behind you. Coffee? Check. Waffles with whip cream? Check. Noodles? Check. Seafood? Check.
| Address: No. 50-1號, Lane 369, Beining Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202 Opening hours: 11am – 10:55pm but timings may vary on public holidays Contact No.: +886 2 2469 0458 Facebook: https://zh-cn.facebook.com/coastal.trail/ |
人人素食 (Vegetarian)
Even though the place is small, they serve delicious vegetarian food, especially their noodles with homemade chilli sauce.
| Address: No. 217, Xinfeng Street, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202 Contact No.: +886 2 2522 2229 Opening hours: – Mon to Fri: 10am-3pm, 4:30pm-8:30pm – Sat & Sun: Closed |
Heping Island
Why visit Heping Island
Heping Island, also known as Peace Island, has many unique landforms formed from fluvial erosion. In fact, the eroded sculptures are so popular that members of the public has voted names for their favourite rock at www.hpipark.org! The finalised names of the 10 unique rocks are Wild Boar, Pharoah, King Kong, Sea Hare, Sphinx, Mudskipper, Crocodile Tears, Black Kite, Leopard and Seal Rock. You can challenge yourself to spot all when you are there!
The entrance fee to Heping Island is $60 NTD. However, it is free of charge if you are:
- Children below the age of 6 or
- Person with disability card and a necessary companion
Heping Island Outdoor Swimming Pool
What is truly unique to Heping Island is the Outdoor Swimming Pool. It has 2 different areas – The Blue Ocean Pool and the Kiddie Pool, meaning that you and your travel companion can swim with the fishes without worrying about safety. Nearby, there are public toilets and a cafe (Radar Station Cafe) so you can
What to eat at Heping Island
雷達站 Radar Station Cafe
Climb up the stairs towards Radar Station Cafe and you will be rewarded with a 360° view of Keelung Sea and Heping Island.
| Address: No. 360號, Pingyi Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202 Contact No.: +886 2 2463 5452 Opening hours: – Mon-Sun: 9.30am – 5pm |
和平島-郭家肉包
A little food stall stand, this place sells steamed buns at $10NTD-$20NTD. They even sell Red Tea Bun, that sounds delicious doesn’t it! For vegetarians, you can get the Red Bean Bun or the Green Onion Bun. Since all of the buns are hand-made, there is limited quantity so it will be best to go there early!
| Address: No. 14, Heer Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202 Contact. No: +886 916 916 805 Opening hours: – Monday to Saturday: 7am-3pm – Sunday: Closed |
北寧早餐店
If you haven’t get your breakfast fix, get your traditional Taiwanese Breakfast here!
| Address: 之 1 號 1 樓, No. 9, Beining Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202 Contact No.: +886 2 2462 5968 Opening hours: Daily, 12.30am – 1pm |
香米湯湯～蔬食 點心 飲品
Dine at 香米湯湯 for a healthy yet hearty meal to soothe your soul. A small, cozy restaurant with only 2 tables, you can enjoy your meal in peace. However, do note that they only accept cash payment so remember to draw money before heading down.
| Address: No. 767號, Xiangfeng Street, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202 Contact No.: +886 903 780 178 Opening hours: – Thurs to Sun: 11am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm – Mon-Wed: Closed |
Lovers’ Lake
Lovers’ Lake is peaceful and serene. You can take a stroll through the park to rejuvenate yourself. Walk East to Dawuluan Fort and you can explore one of the forts that protected Keelung Habour.
Keelung Miaokou Night Market
Miaokou Night Market became known for its great food in the Japanese era, when a group of merchants started selling snacks at the mouth of the Dianji Temple. Even though it is called a night market, it is opened 12pm-12am daily except Sunday which opens from 8am-12am. The boundaries of Keelung Night Market can be easily identified using the yellow lanterns lined on the sides of the street. With 70 stalls there, there is a plethora of affordable and mouth-watering dishes ready for you to devour. Here are some popular stalls that you need to try:
Crab Soup (吳記螃蟹羹) and Glutinous Rice Oil (油饭) – Stall 5
This thick, warm crab soup consisting of bamboo shoots, shredded crab meat and mushroom, I believe is the heart of Miaokou Night Market. For only 55 TWD, it warms your heart and provides you with a sense of comfort. Drizzle the soup on top of the Glutinous Rice Oil(30NTD), consume it and voila! Perfection. At the store, you can customize it to your liking by sprinkling pepper or vinegar.
Shenji Pao-Pao Ice (沈家泡泡冰) – Stall 37
Nutritious sandwich – Stall 58
This sandwich is definitely not as nutritious as it claims to be. Tomato, cucumber, dark sauce eggs, ham contained within a doughnut like bun and then slapped with Mayonnaise sauce. Even though it is pretty unhealthy, I think everyone who comes to Keelung Miaokou Night Market should give this sandwich a try. Definitely a guilty pleasure I must say.
If you have health issues, try it with caution. The closest hospital is Keelung Hospital at No. 268, Xin’er Road, Xinyi District, Keelung City, Taiwan 201 opened from 9am – 8pm. Call 119 if it is past 8pm.
One-bite sausage – Stall 43-1
Located at the corner of the street, you can easily identify this stall from the long line of people and the smoke. The grilled sausage together with the whole garlic slices creates a burst of flavour in your mouth. One sausage cost 7NTD.
Travelling to Keelung from Taipei
Here comes the difficult part of every travel experience – Travelling! Here are some guides that we have compiled for you on how to get from Taipei to Point B:
- Taipei > Shen’Ao Elephant Trunk: https://alexkunztaipei.wordpress.com/2015/04/16/elephant-rock/
- Taipei > Heping Island: http://lansvelarde.blogspot.com/2018/11/day-trip-to-heping-island-keelung.html
- Taipei > Badouzi: https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/distress-to-destress-taipei/#badouzi
However, we have read blogs state that the buses are not reliable and more the difficulty of travelling to Keelung increases on a rainy day. After knowing about this problem, OWNRIDES decided to launch our new Shen’Ao Rail Bike and Keelung Day tour so that more of you can enjoy Taiwan, hassle-free.
If our tour does not suit your preferences, you can always customise using our tool where you can change the destinations, duration of stay at each attraction and even choose an English driver. OWNRIDES aim to give you the flexibility to design your own experience with our customize tool, without needing to spend too much time about thinking about your itinerary. I have listed a few possibilities that you can take to explore Keelung.
- Taipei – Shen’Ao Elephant Trunk Rock – Shen’Ao Rail Bike (Shen’Ao to Badouzi) – Lunch at Badouzi – Badouzi Chao Jing Park – Badouzi Wangyougu – Keelung Night Market – Taipei
- Taipei – Shen’Ao Elephant Trunk Rock – Lunch at Shen’Ao/Badouzi – Badouzi Chao Jing Park – Badouzi NMMST – Badouzi Wanyougu – Keelung Night Market – Taipei
- Taipei – Lovers’ Lake – Heping Island Radar Station Cafe – Heping Island Outdoor Swimming Pool – Badouzi Chao Jing Park – Keelung Night Market
I hope this blog has inspired you to Visit Keelung in Taipei! Do remember to follow us on our social media platforms and follow our blog 🙂
** Disclaimer: Names of some food eateries are directly translated so that it will be easier for English speaking readers to understand
OWNRIDES 
