Page 3 - Keelunger’s Lifestyle Travel Bible

24 hours in Keelung 00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00 24:00 03 A Feel of Keelung Due to its geographic location, Keelung has always played a key role in both Taiwan’s past and present. For example, Fort San Salvador on Heping Island was witness to conflicts between the Dutch and the Spanish Empires during the Age of Discovery in the 17th century. Kanzaiding Street in downtown Keelung was a street constructed by troops during Qing-era Taiwan. Shiqiuling Tunnel is also the first railway tunnel in contemporary Taiwanese history. During the Japanese colonial era, Keelung was the most important port between Taiwan and mainland Japan. Chikuwa, a street snack found throughout Keelung, is a lasting culinary legacy left by early Japanese settlers. Keelung was formerly the seventh busiest port in the world by cargo tonnage. “Night Rain in the Harbor City” ( 港都夜雨 ) is a popular and nostalgic song amongst the Taiwanese that originated in Keelung. If we take the name of the song apart, it aptly depicts Keelung’s scenery - harbor, city, nighttime, and rain. It is also the northernmost city in Taiwan. Due to year-round rainy weather, the city is also known as “the rainy city.” In the past, Keelung was primarily known for the delicious street food found in its Keelung Night Market. In recent years however, new attractions have garnered the spotlight, such as Chaojing Park, Heping Island Park, etc. Many hip and trendy upmarket cafes have popped up as well. With mountains, the sea, a rich historical legacy, and a modern city lifestyle, you should take some time to explore this fascinating city.