
Keelung Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Keelung
Keelung, a coastal city in northeastern Taiwan, is known for its bustling harbor, rich maritime heritage, and moody charm shaped by frequent sea mist and rain. Once a vital trade and military port, it has evolved into a lively urban center with deep historical roots, particularly visible in its forts, temples, and colonial-era architecture. Nestled between hills and the Pacific Ocean, Keelung offers dramatic coastal views and a compact cityscape that blends culture, history, and everyday life. Its strategic location near Taipei makes it an easy day trip, though the city’s layered atmosphere often rewards a longer stay.
For visitors, Keelung is perhaps best known for its night markets—especially Miaokou Night Market—and its connection to the sea, seen in attractions like Heping Island Park, the National Museum of Marine Science & Technology, and the scenic Zhengbin Fishing Port. The city also hosts traditional festivals such as the Ghost Festival, deeply woven into its cultural identity. Whether you’re strolling along the harbor, exploring hillside temples, or sampling seafood delicacies, Keelung offers a distinctive blend of maritime legacy and local color that sets it apart from Taiwan’s other urban centers.
For visitors, Keelung is perhaps best known for its night markets—especially Miaokou Night Market—and its connection to the sea, seen in attractions like Heping Island Park, the National Museum of Marine Science & Technology, and the scenic Zhengbin Fishing Port. The city also hosts traditional festivals such as the Ghost Festival, deeply woven into its cultural identity. Whether you’re strolling along the harbor, exploring hillside temples, or sampling seafood delicacies, Keelung offers a distinctive blend of maritime legacy and local color that sets it apart from Taiwan’s other urban centers.
How it works: Download the app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Keelung Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Keelung Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Taiwan » Keelung (See other walking tours in Keelung)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Taiwan » Keelung (See other walking tours in Keelung)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Port of Keelung
- Keelung Maritime Plaza
- Qingan Temple
- Renai Market
- Keelung Miaokou Night Market
- Dianji Temple
- Aisan Road
- Zhongzheng Park
1) Port of Keelung
The Port of Keelung, nestled in a narrow harbor along Taiwan’s northern coast, has long been a defining feature of the city. As one of the country’s major international seaports, it played a crucial role in Taiwan’s maritime trade and passenger transportation for over a century. Developed during the late Qing Dynasty and further expanded under Japanese rule, the port transformed Keelung into a vital economic and military gateway. Today, it remains active, hosting both cargo operations and cruise ships that bring visitors from around the world.
For tourists, the port offers more than just industrial significance—it is a central hub of city life and a scenic highlight of Keelung’s waterfront. The long harbor is flanked by colorful low-rise buildings and bustling roads, with a series of promenades and observation areas where visitors can take in views of docked vessels, cranes, and ferries. Sunset along the port is particularly popular, offering glowing reflections on the water and a backdrop of surrounding hills.
Nearby, the Maritime Plaza serves as a public space with open views of the harbor and artistic installations inspired by the city’s seafaring culture. The plaza often hosts cultural events, food stalls, and weekend performances, making it a lively stop for those exploring downtown Keelung. The area is pedestrian-friendly and connects conveniently to other nearby attractions like the Miaokou Night Market and Zhongzheng Park.
For tourists, the port offers more than just industrial significance—it is a central hub of city life and a scenic highlight of Keelung’s waterfront. The long harbor is flanked by colorful low-rise buildings and bustling roads, with a series of promenades and observation areas where visitors can take in views of docked vessels, cranes, and ferries. Sunset along the port is particularly popular, offering glowing reflections on the water and a backdrop of surrounding hills.
Nearby, the Maritime Plaza serves as a public space with open views of the harbor and artistic installations inspired by the city’s seafaring culture. The plaza often hosts cultural events, food stalls, and weekend performances, making it a lively stop for those exploring downtown Keelung. The area is pedestrian-friendly and connects conveniently to other nearby attractions like the Miaokou Night Market and Zhongzheng Park.
2) Keelung Maritime Plaza (must see)
Keelung Maritime Plaza is a modern public space situated at the heart of the city’s harborfront, offering locals and visitors a peaceful place to stroll, rest, and take in the maritime atmosphere. Opened as part of Keelung’s waterfront revitalization efforts, the plaza connects the bustling Port of Keelung with nearby cultural and commercial districts. Wide wooden boardwalks, wave-inspired benches, and open-air installations create a relaxed and open environment that contrasts with the busy port activity nearby.
The plaza is especially known for its panoramic views of the harbor, where cruise ships, fishing boats, and cargo vessels regularly come and go. A central pedestrian bridge links both sides of the harbor, allowing for leisurely walks with uninterrupted views of the water and skyline. The area is particularly appealing at sunset and in the evening, when the lights from docked ships and surrounding buildings reflect off the water, creating a scenic backdrop for photography or quiet reflection.
Throughout the year, Maritime Plaza hosts seasonal events, night markets, and art exhibitions, transforming the space into a lively gathering point. Musical performances and food trucks often appear during weekends or holidays, adding to the festive atmosphere. The plaza also serves as a convenient waypoint for tourists making their way to nearby attractions such as Miaokou Night Market, the Port of Keelung, and the city’s central shopping streets.
The plaza is especially known for its panoramic views of the harbor, where cruise ships, fishing boats, and cargo vessels regularly come and go. A central pedestrian bridge links both sides of the harbor, allowing for leisurely walks with uninterrupted views of the water and skyline. The area is particularly appealing at sunset and in the evening, when the lights from docked ships and surrounding buildings reflect off the water, creating a scenic backdrop for photography or quiet reflection.
Throughout the year, Maritime Plaza hosts seasonal events, night markets, and art exhibitions, transforming the space into a lively gathering point. Musical performances and food trucks often appear during weekends or holidays, adding to the festive atmosphere. The plaza also serves as a convenient waypoint for tourists making their way to nearby attractions such as Miaokou Night Market, the Port of Keelung, and the city’s central shopping streets.
3) Qingan Temple
Qingan Temple is one of Keelung’s oldest and most culturally significant religious sites. Originally established in 1780 during the Qing Dynasty, the temple has long served as a spiritual center for local residents, particularly among the Minnan-speaking community. It is dedicated to the sea deity Mazu, revered by fishermen and sailors for protection and safe passage. The temple’s location near the harbor reflects its close historical ties to maritime life and the daily rhythms of a coastal port town.
The structure has undergone several renovations over the centuries, especially after damage during World War II, but many traditional architectural features have been preserved. Visitors will notice its ornate wooden carvings, intricate dragon pillars, and brightly colored tiled roof, all hallmarks of southern Fujian-style temple design. Incense wafts through the air as worshipers come to pay respects, light joss sticks, and offer prayers—a living expression of local faith and continuity.
Inside the temple, richly adorned altars display statues of Mazu and other Taoist deities, surrounded by ceremonial items and symbolic offerings. The walls and ceilings are lined with decorative motifs that reflect folk beliefs and Chinese mythology, making the space visually engaging for those interested in religious art and symbolism. During major temple festivals, such as Mazu’s birthday, the temple becomes the focal point for lively processions and traditional performances.
The structure has undergone several renovations over the centuries, especially after damage during World War II, but many traditional architectural features have been preserved. Visitors will notice its ornate wooden carvings, intricate dragon pillars, and brightly colored tiled roof, all hallmarks of southern Fujian-style temple design. Incense wafts through the air as worshipers come to pay respects, light joss sticks, and offer prayers—a living expression of local faith and continuity.
Inside the temple, richly adorned altars display statues of Mazu and other Taoist deities, surrounded by ceremonial items and symbolic offerings. The walls and ceilings are lined with decorative motifs that reflect folk beliefs and Chinese mythology, making the space visually engaging for those interested in religious art and symbolism. During major temple festivals, such as Mazu’s birthday, the temple becomes the focal point for lively processions and traditional performances.
4) Renai Market
Renai Market is a bustling traditional marketplace in the heart of Keelung, offering an immersive experience of the city’s local culture and daily life. Located near the port and surrounded by popular landmarks like Dianji Temple and Qingan Temple, the market is easy to reach and a natural stop for those exploring central Keelung. It has long served as a gathering place for residents to shop for fresh produce, dried goods, and household essentials, maintaining its role as a key node in the city’s commercial activity.
The market operates both indoors and along the surrounding streets, with vendors setting up colorful stalls that overflow with seasonal fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, and local delicacies. The sounds of bargaining, the smell of fresh herbs and sizzling snacks, and the vivid colors of produce create a sensory-rich environment that appeals to visitors eager to experience Taiwan’s traditional market culture. It’s not uncommon to find Keelung’s famed seafood, including dried fish, squid, and other preserved marine products, available at competitive prices.
Beyond groceries, Renai Market also offers a variety of ready-to-eat street foods that draw both locals and tourists alike. Stalls sell everything from scallion pancakes and oyster omelets to sweet taro balls and bubble tea. This casual culinary scene provides an excellent opportunity to sample authentic Taiwanese flavors in a relaxed, everyday setting. Morning hours are especially lively, but the market stays active well into the afternoon.
The market operates both indoors and along the surrounding streets, with vendors setting up colorful stalls that overflow with seasonal fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, and local delicacies. The sounds of bargaining, the smell of fresh herbs and sizzling snacks, and the vivid colors of produce create a sensory-rich environment that appeals to visitors eager to experience Taiwan’s traditional market culture. It’s not uncommon to find Keelung’s famed seafood, including dried fish, squid, and other preserved marine products, available at competitive prices.
Beyond groceries, Renai Market also offers a variety of ready-to-eat street foods that draw both locals and tourists alike. Stalls sell everything from scallion pancakes and oyster omelets to sweet taro balls and bubble tea. This casual culinary scene provides an excellent opportunity to sample authentic Taiwanese flavors in a relaxed, everyday setting. Morning hours are especially lively, but the market stays active well into the afternoon.
5) Keelung Miaokou Night Market (must see)
Keelung Miaokou Night Market is one of Taiwan’s most iconic culinary destinations. Centered around the historic Dianji Temple, the market has earned a reputation for its wide selection of affordable, flavorful street foods and its vibrant, lantern-lit atmosphere. Easily recognizable by the yellow signage lining its stalls, Miaokou attracts both local residents and international visitors eager to sample some of Taiwan’s best snacks.
The night market is particularly known for its seafood offerings, reflecting Keelung’s status as a major port city. Specialties include crab thick soup, braised eel noodles, grilled squid, and oyster omelets. Sweet treats such as peanut ice cream rolls and taro balls are also local favorites. Many vendors have operated here for generations, and dishes are often prepared using time-honored family recipes. The market's compact layout makes it easy to explore multiple stalls in one evening.
Beyond the food, Miaokou Night Market offers a cultural experience embedded in its daily rhythms. The presence of Dianji Temple adds a spiritual backdrop, where worshippers stop to pay respects before enjoying their meal. The surrounding area bustles with life in the evenings, and the mix of scents, steam, and sounds creates a sensory-rich snapshot of Taiwan’s night market culture. Seating is minimal, so most visitors eat standing or take food to nearby benches or curbs.
While peak hours can be busy, the atmosphere remains welcoming and easy to navigate. It's best to come hungry and ready to try a little bit of everything.
The night market is particularly known for its seafood offerings, reflecting Keelung’s status as a major port city. Specialties include crab thick soup, braised eel noodles, grilled squid, and oyster omelets. Sweet treats such as peanut ice cream rolls and taro balls are also local favorites. Many vendors have operated here for generations, and dishes are often prepared using time-honored family recipes. The market's compact layout makes it easy to explore multiple stalls in one evening.
Beyond the food, Miaokou Night Market offers a cultural experience embedded in its daily rhythms. The presence of Dianji Temple adds a spiritual backdrop, where worshippers stop to pay respects before enjoying their meal. The surrounding area bustles with life in the evenings, and the mix of scents, steam, and sounds creates a sensory-rich snapshot of Taiwan’s night market culture. Seating is minimal, so most visitors eat standing or take food to nearby benches or curbs.
While peak hours can be busy, the atmosphere remains welcoming and easy to navigate. It's best to come hungry and ready to try a little bit of everything.
6) Dianji Temple
Dianji Temple is one of the city’s most significant and well-visited religious landmarks. Founded in 1875 during the Qing Dynasty, the temple is dedicated to Mazu, the revered sea goddess worshipped by fishermen and coastal communities throughout Taiwan. Given Keelung’s long-standing relationship with the sea, Dianji Temple has served for generations as a spiritual anchor, providing blessings and protection for those whose livelihoods depend on maritime pursuits.
The temple’s exterior is a striking example of traditional southern Chinese architecture, with ornate roof ridges, ceramic dragon figures, and intricate carvings adorning the fa?ade. Lanterns sway above the entrance, and the scent of incense fills the air as devotees arrive to pay their respects. Inside, elaborately decorated altars honor Mazu and other Taoist deities, while murals and sculptures depict scenes from Taiwanese folklore and mythology. The overall atmosphere is one of reverence and timelessness, offering visitors a chance to step into a space shaped by local belief and history.
Despite its relatively compact footprint, Dianji Temple remains active and deeply woven into community life. It hosts ceremonial processions during key festivals, especially on Mazu’s birthday in the lunar calendar, when streets nearby fill with music, lanterns, and celebrants. During Ghost Month and the Zhongyuan Festival, the temple also plays a central role in rituals meant to appease wandering spirits and honor ancestors, reflecting the continuing importance of traditional beliefs in the city.
Surrounded by lively markets and small shops, the temple is easily accessible for those exploring central Keelung. Its proximity to Miaokou Night Market makes it an ideal stop for travelers looking to experience both spiritual and culinary dimensions of Taiwanese culture.
The temple’s exterior is a striking example of traditional southern Chinese architecture, with ornate roof ridges, ceramic dragon figures, and intricate carvings adorning the fa?ade. Lanterns sway above the entrance, and the scent of incense fills the air as devotees arrive to pay their respects. Inside, elaborately decorated altars honor Mazu and other Taoist deities, while murals and sculptures depict scenes from Taiwanese folklore and mythology. The overall atmosphere is one of reverence and timelessness, offering visitors a chance to step into a space shaped by local belief and history.
Despite its relatively compact footprint, Dianji Temple remains active and deeply woven into community life. It hosts ceremonial processions during key festivals, especially on Mazu’s birthday in the lunar calendar, when streets nearby fill with music, lanterns, and celebrants. During Ghost Month and the Zhongyuan Festival, the temple also plays a central role in rituals meant to appease wandering spirits and honor ancestors, reflecting the continuing importance of traditional beliefs in the city.
Surrounded by lively markets and small shops, the temple is easily accessible for those exploring central Keelung. Its proximity to Miaokou Night Market makes it an ideal stop for travelers looking to experience both spiritual and culinary dimensions of Taiwanese culture.
7) Aisan Road
Aisan Road is one of the city's busiest commercial streets and a popular shopping destination for both locals and visitors. Just steps away from Keelung Railway Station and Miaokou Night Market, the road is conveniently situated for tourists exploring the downtown area. Aisan Road is known for its lively street life, offering an eclectic mix of fashion outlets, cosmetics shops, mobile phone stores, and general merchandise vendors that cater to a broad range of tastes and budgets.
One of the road’s main attractions is the variety of affordable clothing boutiques that line both sides of the street. Shoppers can browse everything from fast fashion to casual wear, accessories, and shoes, often at competitive prices. Many shops target younger crowds with Korean and Japanese-inspired trends, and some even stay open late into the evening to capture the night market crowd. Convenience stores, bakeries, and drink stalls are interspersed throughout, making it easy to take a quick break from browsing.
The street is also popular for beauty products and electronics. Several stores sell skincare items, makeup, and contact lenses, alongside budget gadgets and accessories like headphones and phone cases. Bargain hunters often enjoy the narrow alleyways branching off Aisan Road, where smaller independent shops offer unique finds and occasional sales. Despite the hustle, the area maintains a welcoming, local feel and is easy to navigate on foot.
Aisan Road is especially vibrant in the late afternoon and early evening, when commuters, students, and tourists converge. Thanks to its central location and energetic vibe, it’s a great place to soak in local life while picking up fashionable items or practical goods.
One of the road’s main attractions is the variety of affordable clothing boutiques that line both sides of the street. Shoppers can browse everything from fast fashion to casual wear, accessories, and shoes, often at competitive prices. Many shops target younger crowds with Korean and Japanese-inspired trends, and some even stay open late into the evening to capture the night market crowd. Convenience stores, bakeries, and drink stalls are interspersed throughout, making it easy to take a quick break from browsing.
The street is also popular for beauty products and electronics. Several stores sell skincare items, makeup, and contact lenses, alongside budget gadgets and accessories like headphones and phone cases. Bargain hunters often enjoy the narrow alleyways branching off Aisan Road, where smaller independent shops offer unique finds and occasional sales. Despite the hustle, the area maintains a welcoming, local feel and is easy to navigate on foot.
Aisan Road is especially vibrant in the late afternoon and early evening, when commuters, students, and tourists converge. Thanks to its central location and energetic vibe, it’s a great place to soak in local life while picking up fashionable items or practical goods.
8) Zhongzheng Park (must see)
Zhongzheng Park is one of Keelung’s most prominent green spaces, perched on a hillside overlooking the city and harbor. Named after Chiang Kai-shek (whose official name was Chiang Zhongzheng), the park was originally developed during the Japanese colonial period and later expanded after World War II. It blends historical significance with scenic charm and serves as both a cultural landmark and a peaceful retreat from the city’s busy streets.
The park is organized into three main levels. The first level features remnants of a historic cannon fort, a reminder of Keelung’s strategic military past. On the second level, visitors will find a Buddhist library, the Martyrs' Shrine, and the Zhuputan Temple—a Taoist site that draws crowds during the Zhongyuan Ghost Festival, particularly on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. The third level leads to Guanhai Pavilion, where sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the city below unfold, making it a favored rest stop for both locals and travelers.
One of the most eye-catching landmarks in the park is the Big Buddha Temple, home to a massive golden statue of the Laughing Buddha. The smiling figure, symbolizing happiness and abundance, is flanked by decorative elements and a vibrant pavilion, adding to the visual spectacle. Nearby, a serene statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, provides a spiritual counterbalance with her graceful posture and compassionate aura. These two figures represent distinct aspects of Buddhist belief—joyful well-being and boundless compassion.
Beyond its religious landmarks, Zhongzheng Park also offers landscaped paths, shaded pavilions, and open-air platforms ideal for leisurely walks, family outings, and photography. Traditional Chinese architectural features, such as red-tiled gazebos and ornamental archways, add cultural richness to the tranquil setting. With its blend of historical elements, religious significance, and scenic beauty, Zhongzheng Park remains one of Keelung’s most well-rounded and rewarding destinations.
The park is organized into three main levels. The first level features remnants of a historic cannon fort, a reminder of Keelung’s strategic military past. On the second level, visitors will find a Buddhist library, the Martyrs' Shrine, and the Zhuputan Temple—a Taoist site that draws crowds during the Zhongyuan Ghost Festival, particularly on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. The third level leads to Guanhai Pavilion, where sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the city below unfold, making it a favored rest stop for both locals and travelers.
One of the most eye-catching landmarks in the park is the Big Buddha Temple, home to a massive golden statue of the Laughing Buddha. The smiling figure, symbolizing happiness and abundance, is flanked by decorative elements and a vibrant pavilion, adding to the visual spectacle. Nearby, a serene statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, provides a spiritual counterbalance with her graceful posture and compassionate aura. These two figures represent distinct aspects of Buddhist belief—joyful well-being and boundless compassion.
Beyond its religious landmarks, Zhongzheng Park also offers landscaped paths, shaded pavilions, and open-air platforms ideal for leisurely walks, family outings, and photography. Traditional Chinese architectural features, such as red-tiled gazebos and ornamental archways, add cultural richness to the tranquil setting. With its blend of historical elements, religious significance, and scenic beauty, Zhongzheng Park remains one of Keelung’s most well-rounded and rewarding destinations.
The Most Popular Cities
/ view all