Keelung Travel Review: Taiwan’s Underrated Seaside City

Keelung, Taiwan. It’s one of the big port cities there, right in the northeastern part. They also call it the ‘Rainy Port (雨港)’ because, well, it rains a lot! But don’t let that put you off, it’s got some fantastic places to visit, especially if you’re into anything sea-related. Plus, it’s the second biggest port in Taiwan, just after Kaohsiung. With 95% of the city is all hills and sea. It’s a sight for sore eyes, trust me. It’s the perfect spot for a bit of sightseeing and some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

On this trip, we took it easy. We did some trail walking up the hills and took in the panoramic views of the port and the islands – a real feast for the eyes. We also spent some time chilling in a super comfy park and found some great spots for Instagram-worthy photos with these vibrant, colorful houses. And the best part? We ended our day with some mouth-watering Xiaolongbao. I promise you, This Keelung would be your trip to remember!

Keelung Travel Plan

If you’re thinking about a day trip to Keelung, you can totally do it. You can even come from Taipei and see everything in one go. Or, if you prefer, pick your favorite spots in Keelung and combine them with a visit to the ‘red lantern city’ Jiufen or even the cat village. If you’re a fan of port cities and nature, you’re going to love it here.

Attractions	1. Wangyou Valley 2. Heping Island Park 3. Zhengbin Fishing Port 4. Chaojing Park
Restaurant	5. Yue Cheng Shanghainese Xiaolongbao
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How to Get to Keelung

Getting to Keelung, Taiwan, is pretty straightforward, and there are several ways to do it. I’m going to base this on starting from Taipei, as most travelers usually land in Taipei and then start exploring the country. So, getting to Keelung is not a big deal, thanks to their well-managed and diverse public transportation system. Choose what suits you best from the options below.

Wangyou Valley

One of the most stunning valleys in Keelung has to be Wangyou Valley. Located not too far from Badouzi Fishing Port, this seaside valley is often referred to as the ‘Valley of Forgetfulness’. It’s said that people who visit this place find themselves immersed in the beauty of their surroundings, forgetting their worries and simply enjoying the moment.

Originally named Da Hu Ding, it was renamed ‘Wangyou Valley’ in the 70th year of the Taiwanese calendar, which translates to ‘Valley of Forgetfulness’, a name that has stuck to this day. The valley is V-shaped with green grassy areas perfect for chilling out and a not-too-long trail for exploring the natural beauty. The trail is easy to walk with well-maintained stairs and railings.

The highlight of the trail here is the high-angle view along the way, which is so breathtaking that I want everyone to see it with their own eyes. From here, you can see Heping Island and Badouzi Fishing Port below. The view of the green hills against the blue sea surrounding the port on the hillside is like a beautiful painting. And because it’s located by the sea, if you look from a high angle, you can see the sea waves crashing against the valley, and some strange-looking rocks that have been eroded by the sea are visible above the water. Overall, it’s a great mood. Standing and looking, you feel peaceful in your mind, as if you’ve let go of your worries for a moment.

The best times to visit are in the morning and late afternoon when the weather is cool and the sun isn’t too strong, making it a chill walk up to the top. Especially if you come during a good weather period, I must say that the trail in Wangyou Valley is one of the routes that you should come and collect because the scenery on top is beautiful without any tall buildings obstructing. You can let your heart be embraced by the wind, sunlight, sea, and nature. On a day when you need to leave your worries behind for a moment, getting to walk on this trail is a good story that I want you to come and try.

Heping Island Park

Heping Island Park is a highly sought-after coastal park in Keelung, renowned for its snorkeling spots and a tourist trail filled with uniquely shaped rocks. These rocks have become a symbol of the park, drawing in visitors from all over the globe.

Historically, this area was known as Sheliao Island, situated north of the city. In 1626, the Spanish utilized the island for business negotiations with China and Japan, constructing temples, churches, and the Fort San Salvador. Following World War II, the island was renamed Heping Island, which translates to peace and tranquility, and it has been a tourist destination ever since.

When exploring Heping Island Park, I recommend starting your journey from the parking lot and walking along the right side if you enjoy walking. This path is a small road that runs along the sea where you can walk continuously. This side is perfect for those who want to take a leisurely stroll, basking in the sea atmosphere and cool breeze. One of the advantages of this side is that you can touch the peculiar-looking rocks that have been eroded by the sea, forming unique shapes that you’ve never seen before. The appearance of the rocks is left to each person’s imagination. As this area is at sea level, you can see waves crashing against the shore at intervals as you walk, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

If you’ve walked along the right side and are satisfied, you can walk back to the left side of Heping Island Park. This side feels like a public park, with a wide lawn and seating for relaxation. If you follow the path, you’ll come across an outdoor salt water swimming pool that has been sectioned off from a part of the sea. The surrounding area has been improved to resemble a sandy beach for tourists to play. This spot is a highlight that people enjoy for swimming in the pool amidst the atmosphere that is close to the sea, surrounded by lush green nature. It’s incredibly beautiful and pleasing to the heart. If you want to try swimming, remember to bring a swimsuit with you.

Overall, Heping Island Park is one of the tourist attractions suitable for leisure activities, whether it’s walking, swimming, or enjoying the sea and beautiful nature. Especially for those who are fascinated by peculiar-looking rocks with unique shapes, I highly recommend visiting this place. The rocks are beautiful, and they make for very beautiful photos. If you visit Keelung and don’t come here, I must say that you’re missing out.

Zhengbin Fishing Port

If you’ve ever seen a review of tourist attractions in Keelung, I believe that everyone must have seen the colorful houses that are lined up along the port. This is Zhengbin Fishing Port, a must-visit place for anyone visiting Keelung because of its cute and colorful houses that are a characteristic feature. It’s a spot where tourists love to take pictures for Instagram. Just take a picture and post it on social media, and people will know that you’re in Taiwan.

Zhengbin Fishing Port is a port built by the Japanese in 1934. At that time, this port was the largest fishing port in Taiwan and was also the main export port of the Jinguashi copper mine during the Japanese colonial period. Although currently, this port is not the center of shipping as it was in the past, it’s very popular among tourists. It has 16 colorful houses lined up along the port, and people love to come and take pictures.

For optimal photo opportunities, it is recommended to visit the location in the morning before noon. The sunlight during this time illuminates the houses in a way that enhances their colors and allows for great photos from any angle. However, if you visit in the afternoon, the lighting may not be as favorable and your photos could be negatively affected by backlighting. While there may not be many other activities to engage in, the colorful houses are the main attraction and draw visitors primarily for photo opportunities. If you do wish to explore the area a bit more, there are some houses that have been converted into cafes where you can relax, enjoy a cold beverage, and continue on your journey when you are ready.

Chaojing Park

Chaojing Park, located not far from Zhengbin Fishing Port, was once a garbage collection site. It has been transformed by the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology into a public park, offering one of the city’s most valuable sea views.

The park features a bicycle path, allowing visitors to exercise while enjoying the garden and sea views. Tables and chairs are also arranged at various points for people to sit and relax. If you’re visiting New Taipei City and are captivated by the day’s last light, you can admire the beautiful sunset from Chaojing Park. This spot is said to offer the city’s best view, making it a romantic location for couples to visit.

However, I must mention that I didn’t venture inside the park due to the day’s weather. It was raining, and the sky was gloomy. I parked my car in the parking lot and walked around the nearby area to take in the view. The beach was filled with rocks, and sea waves crashed against them.

Even though it seemed like the rain had stopped when I was there, it still looked like it was going to rain all the time. The surrounding atmosphere was dark and gloomy, enhancing the feeling of solitude. The wide view that I had imagined a picture of the blue sea, the green of the mountains and the clear sky was replaced by a thick, foggy image that obscured almost everything. Despite this, I understood why Taiwanese people would stand fishing in such weather. I watched and wondered whether the fish would come to eat the bait.

Even though the weather wasn’t good, I comforted myself with the thought that at least I got to see the way of life of the people here. Personally, I think if we visit on a clear day, this area will be beautiful and inviting to look at. The picture I had in my imagination would definitely come true.

Yue Cheng Shanghainese Xiaolongbao

For those who enjoy Xiaolongbao, a visit to Keelung isn’t complete without trying Yue Cheng Shanghainese Xiaolongbao. This small, local restaurant is renowned for its delicious Xiaolongbao. The restaurant is housed in a two-story row house, offering a homely and charming local atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of Xiaolongbao fillings, but the one we recommend the most is the pork and crab meat filling. The filling is well-seasoned and when you bite into it, the soup inside bursts out, enhancing the overall flavor.

The Xiaolongbao at this restaurant is excellently made. The dough is just thin enough, and the filling is tender and melts in your mouth. When eating, you can fully taste the flavor of the filling. The trick to enjoying Xiaolongbao is to eat it while it’s still hot. Pick up the Xiaolongbao and place it in a spoon, then poke it with a chopstick to let some of the soup spill out to cool down a bit. Then, eat it all in one bite. This method, recommended by the restaurant owner, truly enhances the taste. However, be careful as the soup can still be quite hot.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Xiaolongbao and want to taste the authentic Taiwanese recipe, Yue Cheng Shanghainese Xiaolongbao is a must-visit. You won’t be disappointed. Overall, a trip to Keelung offers a variety of attractions, delicious food, friendly locals, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a city that caters to all lifestyles with plenty of places to visit. If you love nature and the sea, make sure to include this city in your Taiwan travel plans. You’ll definitely be impressed.

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