Every weekend, Taipei residents often head to Yilan for a getaway. However, Keelung, located not far from Taipei, offers more than just its well-known spots like Badouzi, Lover’s Lake, and Dawulun. In recent years, new attractions such as Alabao Bay on Heping Island, Zhongshan Pedestrian Bridge, Zhengbin Fishing Port, and Agenna Shipyard have become popular Instagram-worthy spots in Keelung. These locations are not only perfect for scenic photography but were also among the hottest Instagram spots in 2018. Plan a one-day trip to Keelung over the weekend, take a train or bus from Taipei, and embark on a trendy journey with friends or a partner.
Zhongshan Pedestrian Bridge
The Zhongshan Pedestrian Bridge in Keelung is a charming, vintage pedestrian bridge.
With over 40 years of history, the Zhongshan Pedestrian Bridge in Keelung is a rare example of nostalgic architecture among Taiwan’s pedestrian bridges. The bridge itself is quite distinctive; moreover, it gained fame from scenes in a movie starring Shu Qi. Despite rumors of its impending demolition and reconstruction since last year, the bridge has become a new Keelung attraction for magazines, fashion shoots, and Instagram posts over the past two years.
Although the Keelung Public Works Department has currently postponed the demolition plan, the bridge has a limited lifespan. Even if it isn’t demolished, its original charm might be lost after renovations. Therefore, those who wish to capture the vintage scenery and portraits on this bridge should visit soon.
The market next to the Zhongshan Pedestrian Bridge also offers a quiet, movie-like atmosphere for photography.
Transportation Information: No. 10, Xiao 4th Road, Ren’ai District, Keelung City Take the train to Keelung Station, exit from the south exit, and walk for about 5 minutes to reach.
Xu Zisan’s Old Residence
Xu Zisan’s Old Residence, also known as “Qingyu Hall,” was the home of the prominent Xu Zisan family in Keelung. Located near Keelung Miaokou, it is a 5-10 minute walk up the stone steps from Miaokou. The residence, built over 80 years ago, has not undergone any renovations, so parts of the exterior walls are peeling, and tree trunks and weeds cover some areas. This adds to the mysterious and serene feel of the old residence, making it seem like a ruin.
When visiting, note that the residence has not been fully renovated. Although it is not strictly off-limits, visitors should be cautious when entering. Additionally, due to the many dark areas within the residence, those who do not enjoy such environments should consider whether it is suitable for them before visiting.
Transportation Information: From Keelung Miaokou, walk along Ren 3rd Road, and take the stairs up from the alley next to the 7-11.
Century-Old Air-Raid Shelter
Walking into the century-old air-raid shelter in Keelung feels like stepping into history.
During the Japanese occupation, many air-raid shelters were built in Keelung due to wartime needs. As a result, air-raid shelters can be found throughout Keelung. The “Century-Old Air-Raid Shelter” in Wen’anli, Ren’ai District, Keelung, was used for patients to hide from air raids during the Japanese era, later becoming a Japanese ammunition depot, and is now a shortcut for residents of Shiqiu Wuli. In the past, the shelter was quite dark and often a security blind spot. Fortunately, after renovations by the local village chief, the shelter is now well-lit, and it remains a relatively undiscovered Instagram-worthy spot in Keelung.
Thanks to the local village chief’s efforts, the century-old air-raid shelter is now very bright and features some historical documents for viewing.
The century-old air-raid shelter in Keelung is a relatively hidden Instagram spot, perfect for capturing serene portraits.
Transportation Information: Located on Jing 1st Road in Keelung City, walk along Jing 1st Road, cross Long’an Street and the railway tracks to reach.
Agenna Shipyard
The ruins of Agenna Shipyard are a new Instagram-worthy spot in Keelung.
After visiting the attractions near the train station, you can take a bus from the Keelung City Bus Terminal next to Keelung Train Station to the “Agenna Shipyard” located next to Heping Island Park. The Agenna Shipyard is an abandoned shipyard site that was once a significant shipbuilding facility in Keelung. However, after its closure, it was further demolished and damaged, resulting in its current state amidst the conflict between cultural preservation and destruction. The shipyard’s strong ruinous style, with remnants and broken walls everywhere, makes every corner unique. This scenery even attracted Captain America to shoot a commercial here.
Be cautious of the ruins and broken walls scattered throughout the Agenna Shipyard when entering.
Since the Agenna Shipyard has not yet been renovated and is not officially open to the public, visitors should consider their safety and avoid overly dangerous areas.
Even as a dilapidated ruin, the Agenna Shipyard is still very eye-catching on a sunny day.
Transportation Information: From Keelung Train Station, take bus numbers 101, 109, 205, 802, or T99 to the “Heping Bridge (Indigenous Peoples Cultural Center)” stop, and walk about 1 minute to reach the “Agenna Shipyard.”
Zhengbin Fishing Port Colorful Houses
The houses next to Keelung’s Zhengbin Fishing Port, painted with colorful exterior walls, make you feel like you’re in a small fishing port in Venice.
The last spot to introduce is also located outside Heping Island Park, next to the Agenna Shipyard: Keelung’s Zhengbin Fishing Port. Originally just a fishing port in Keelung, the city government transformed it by painting the exterior walls of several houses in bright colors. From the viewing platform across the colorful houses, you can see them standing side by side along the fishing port, making the once ordinary Zhengbin Fishing Port feel like the coast of Venice. This transformation quickly turned it into a new romantic spot and a popular Instagram check-in location in Keelung.
The sunset glow at Zhengbin Fishing Port is also quite enchanting, making it highly recommended to stay and enjoy the beautiful sunset in the evening.
It is also suggested to visit Zhengbin Fishing Port at dusk. Besides photographing the colorful houses, you can capture the sunset glow over the fishing port, which faces west. On a good weather day, the photos are just as stunning as those taken at international locations.
Transportation Information: From Keelung Train Station, take bus numbers 101, 109, 205, 802, or T99 to the “Heping Bridge (Indigenous Peoples Cultural Center)” stop, and you can see the viewing platform.
PAZZO’s popular original characters, “THE BUTTERS” have launched an irresistibly cute themed bread pop-up store at the Huashan 1914 Glass House. With nearly a hundred limited-edition items on site, each one is so soothing that it’s sure to make your wallet tremble!
The 2023 Dadaocheng Fireworks Festival is entering its final countdown! This year, the Dadaocheng fireworks will take place from July 1st to August 20th, with eight consecutive fireworks shows. Whether on weekdays or weekends, fireworks enthusiasts can enjoy spectacular displays every week!
Visiting Taoyuan to watch planes is a travel itinerary I highly recommend. If a foreign friend asks me what’s fun in Taoyuan, I might suggest they go watch planes near Taoyuan Airport! The plane-watching spot on Dayuan’s War Preparedness Contact Road in Taoyuan is a great place to watch planes take off and land up close. It’s worth revisiting, and you can easily spend several hours leisurely watching planes come and go.