Only a 20 minute car drive away, Dawulun Beach in Keelung is the closest sandy ocean beach to Taipei City. Although it is small, it has a calm shallow swimming area and the sand looks like it was shipped straight from Kenting. It is definitely worth a visit for all beach lovers in Taipei.
Background: This beach is also known as Aodi Beach (澳底沙灘) or Waimushan Beach (外木山沙灘). In 2007, a road was created that connected Dawulun Beach with Wanli, creating a circular road around the north coast that was previously cut off. After that, more and more tourists started coming to this beach, especially from Taipei, because it is the closest oceanside destination to Taipei City. On weekends during the summer, the area can be totally packed with people. Hours: 24/7, but showers close after about 7 PM Price: Free Showers: Yes, multiple paid shower areas, about 30-50 NT per person How to get there: By car/scooter: From Keelung, take provincial highway 2 toward Wanli, and after you cross over the hill and see the ocean, turn right down to the beach. There is free parking on the side of the road, but good spots are limited. You can always park for free on the steep road that goes up the hill. By bus: From Keelung Station, you can take the T99 tourist shuttle Binhai Qiji Line to the beach. The ride takes about 13 minutes. Map: Please see below:
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Badouzi is a rocky area along Taiwan's north coast in Keelung. It includes a seafood market, marine science museum, and a wide grassy area (Chaojing Park). There are also many interesting rock formations in the area. It is a popular location for its seafood, flying kites, hiking, and enjoying the ocean scenery.
Background: The sandstone and sedimentary that forms the Badouzi formations were created between 10 and 20 million years ago, and was pushed out of the sea along with northern Taiwan thousands of years ago. The rock formations formed by easily eroding sandstone, by the sea and waves. The area around Chaojing Park was a protected military base and garbage dunmp, after which civilians were allowed to freely visit. Kite flying is also a popular activity at the park. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Marine Science Museum: 200 NT How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Drive to Keelung, then from downtown take provincial highway 2 east about 10 KM until you reach the the turnoff to Chaojing Park, and there is some paid parking if you drive to the very end, which will put you closest to the park. By Train/Bus: Take the TRA to Badouzi (八斗子） station, then walk about 1 KM northwest until you reach the Chaojing Park. Map: Please see below: 
Tai'an Waterfall is a tall waterfall in Qidu District in Keelung City, Taiwan. It is easily accessible via a flat hiking path that takes about 10 minutes to complete, and includes amazing natural scenery. It's spectacular cascading falls are definitely worth a stop for anyone in Taiwan.
Background: Tai'an Waterfall is roughly 20 meters high and 2 meters wide (64 x 13 ft.). It is located on Cayan Mountain in Qidu. The rock formations that form the Waterfall formed as sediment under the ocean millions of years ago and were then uplifted thanks to the collision of the Eurasian and Phillipine plates. The rocks are mainly sedimentary and are part of the same formation that forms the special rock formations on the northern coast around Keelung. The area also has some coal deposits, and there is an abandoned mine on the trail. The rocks here easily erode, making for odd shapes in the riverbed. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free When to go: Go in the spring time when there is more rain. If you go during the dry season, the waterfall will be quite small. Difficulty: Easy How to get there: By Train: Take the TRA to Ruifang Station, and then switch to the Pingxi Railway line. Get off at Shifen Station, then walk along the main road south until you reach the Shifen Waterfall trail. It will be hard to miss; there are signs along the way. By Car/Scooter: Take provincial highway 2 east toward Pinglin, then get off the main highway once you reach Shifen. The waterfall is to the left of the main bridge across the valley, and parking is plentiful. Scooter parking is free at the entrance. Map: Please see below 
Dawulun Fort is a Qing Dynasty era fort that once guarded the coast along Wanli, Jinshan, and Keelung, among a network of other forts. Now it stands as a wonderfully preserved monument to the past, with great views of Keelung Harbor and Wanli District.
Background: Dawulun Fort started as a seaside fortification in 1875 in order to protect Dawulun Harbor, Keelung Harbor, and the road from Tamsui to Keelung which goes through Jinshan. Soldiers began being stationed on the hill at Dawulun as early as 1840. The fort was an important piece of defense during the Opium Wars and the Sino-French War. A total of 10 Canons were placed at the fort at one time. After the Japanese took Taiwan, the fort was not used after 1935 and fell into decay. When the ROC took Taiwan, they took down all the remaining canons. The fort was declared a national historic monument in 1985. Since the early 2000's some people have illegally dug around the site looking for buried treasure, even though a study in 2003 found that there was no treasure buried in this site. Now it is a popular attraction in the area especially because of the great view of Keelung and Wanli that can be seen from the fort. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: By car/scooter: Take provincial highway northwest out of Keelung, and take a right on Jijin First Road toward Keelung Chang Kung Hospital. The Dawulun Fort parking lot is at the top of the hill after the road turns into one lane. There is lots of parking. The trail is not wheelchair or stroller friendly. By bus: Unfortunately there are no buses that directly get there, so you will have to walk from provincial highway 2, or take a taxi. Map: Please see below: 
Lovers Lake is a small lake a recreation area in Anle District of Keelung City. It has some easy trails, bridges, and a tower that looks over the area. The lake trails also connect to Dawulun Fort. Overall it is a nice scenic spot for a day trip in Northern Taiwan.
Background: The name "Lovers Lake" comes from the fact that there are actually two lakes, one larger and one smaller, so they are a like a couple in love. The sandstone that forms the area was created between 10 and 20 million years ago, and was pushed out of the sea along with northern Taiwan thousands of years ago. In the past the area was run by a private company, which went out of business. Recently the Keelung City government has taken over control, and has installed a trail that circles the lake. There is also a suspension bridge, windmill, and stone tower overlooking the lake. Nearby you can hike to Dawulun Fort or Eagle Rock that provide great views of the north coast. Currently the lake is popular with hikers and intagrammers, as well as wedding photographers. On the weekends it can get quite busy and parking can be hard to find. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: By car/scooter: Take provincial highway northwest out of Keelung, and take a right on Jijin First Road toward Keelung Chang Kung Hospital. The Lover's lake parking lot is at the top of the hill before the road turns into one lane. There is limited parking, and you may have to park further away. The trail is not wheelchair or stroller friendly. However there is always plenty of scooter parking. By bus: Unfortunately there are no buses that directly get there, so you will have to walk from provincial highway 2, or take a taxi. Map: Please see below: 
Ershawan Fort (aka Ershawan battery or Tenable Gate of the Sea 海門天險), is a Qing Dynasty era fort that once guarded Keelung Harbor among a network of other forts. For a brief time was taken over by the French during the Sino-French War. Now it stands as a wonderfully preserved monument to the past, with great views of Keelung Harbor.
Background: Ershawan Fort started as a seaside fortification in 1840 as a response to the First Opium War. During the war, a British ship called the Nerbudda fired on the fort, destroying one of the soldier dorm rooms. The ship later bottomed out on a coral reef and the sailors were imprisoned. In August of 1884, 5 French ships under direction of general S. N. J. Lespes attacked the forts at Keelung, attacking from the side. Because the cannons in Ershawan Fort could not rotate, they were useless against the ships. Most of the canons and gunpowder were destroyed or exploded. The next day the French Forces invaded Keelung with a force of about 500 men. They made a cemetery nearby for their men, which was later moved to Ershawan Fort were it still remains to this day. After the war, in an effort to protect the coal reserves near Keelung from the French, the then Imperial Inspector on Military Affairs Liu Mingchuan decided to improve fortifications in Keelung by relocating the Ershawan fortress to the nearby hillside. The new fortress was built in western style with the help of German technicians. The new fortress was completed in 1888 and included two 6 inch Armstrong guns and one 8 inch Armstrong gun. Liu Mingchuan also installed new revolving bases for the cannons, and created a camp below with the "Tenable Gate of the Sea." After the Japanese took Taiwan, the fort was barely used and fell into decay. The fort was declared a national historic monument in 1997. The fort and pathways were further restored in 2018. Now it is a popular attraction in the area especially because of the great view of Keelung Harbor that can be seen from the fort. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From central Keelung, take Shoushan Road up the hill on the east part of the city and the fort is at the very top of the hill. There is limited free parking near the top. By Bus: There is no direct way to get there by bus, but you can take the 204 bus from Keelung Station to Keeling Stadium station and then walk up the hill about 1 KM to the fort. I think you can reach the fort from the harbor side, but I'm not sure where the entrance to the trail is. Map: Please see below: 
Xinshan Dream Lake (aka Xinshan Menghu) is a beautiful lake in Xizhi District of New Taipei. It is a popular place to stop for couples and Instagrammers due to its dream like aura. Also you can take the steep climb up Xinshan and enjoy some amazing views of east Taipei and Keelung. Besides taking photos, this Xinshan Dream Lake is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Background: The rock formations that form the Xinshan Dream lake hike formed as sediment under the ocean millions of years ago, and was later uplifted thanks to the collision of the Eurasian and Phillipine plates. The rocks are mainly sedimentary and are part of the same formation that forms the special rock formations on the northern coast around Keelung, and the waterfalls in Pingxi. Xinshan sits at 499 meters above sea level, while dream lake is 325 meters above sea level, which means the hike gains 175 meters from dream lake (in less than .5 KM), making it a short, steep hike. Dream Lake get's its name from the thick fog that covers it during winter months, making it look like a dreamscape. Dream Lake is a popular spot for couples, wedding photography, and Instagram photos. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free Hike Difficulty: Moderate: About an hour hike round trip, steep and difficult climbing through the forest with aid of ropes. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take Xiwan Road (夕萬路) from Xizhi until you come to the turnoff the Xinshan Menghu on the right. It is a small one lane road up the mountain. There is scooter parking and limited car parking on the side of the road. You may need to park further down and hike up if you drive a car. The Lake trail is at the end of the road. By Bus: Take Dongnan Bus F910 from Xizhi Park about 40 minutes up the mountain to Xiwan Raod Bridge No. 3. From there you have to hike up to Xinshan before you come down to dream lake. Or you can get off at Menghu Intersection, but it is a long walk up the road. Map: Please see below: 
Heping Island Park is a geo-park and water park on Heping Island, just outside of downtown Keelung. Here you can find many interesting rock formations in the sedimentary rock along the seashore. There are also salt water swimming pools, amazing places to go diving, a playground, hiking trails, and historical sights. Some would say this island is the world's best kept secret. It is definitely worth stopping here along Taiwan's northern coast.
Historical Background: Heping Island was formed as sediment under the ocean millions of years ago and were then uplifted thanks to the collision of the Eurasian and Phillipine plates. The rocks have then been slowly eroded away by wind and water, creating odd shapes that you see today. You can see similar formations atYehliu Geopark. Heping island is the closest island to the main island of Taiwan. It first part of Basay aborigine lands. Chinese fisherman first called the island Greater Keelung Island. The island was first settled by the Spanish in 1626, as their first settlement in what became their rule of northern Taiwan until they were defeated by the Dutch and left Taiwan in 1642. On Heping Island they built Fort San Salvador (聖薩爾瓦多城), which was destroyed and abandoned by the Dutch in 1668. The ruins of the fort were not confirmed to be found on the island until excavations in 2019. After the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, the island was renamed Sheliao Island (社寮島). After WWII, as part of the White Terror Movement, on March 8th, 1947 KMT soldiers kidnapped and shot some of about 30 civilians on the island that were suspected enemy conspirators, known as the Sheliao Incident "社寮事件." After this, the people on the island decided to change to island's name to "Peace Island" or Heping Island in Chinese, so that the KMT would stop harassing the local people and bring peace to the island. The Island was under KMT military control until the 1970s, after which tourists were allowed to enter the island. Now it is a popular daytime and weekend destination for many Taiwanese. Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM Price: 80 NT per person When to go: During the summer (May to November) when the water is warm and calm for swimming and diving. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take provincial highway 2 north out of Keelung and take a left at Zhengbin Road. Cross the bridge over to the island and head to the park which is on the north side of the island. There is paid parking in front of the park. By Bus: From Keelung, take Keeling Bus 101 to Heping Isand bus stop. Map: Please see below: 
Yehliu is perhaps the most famous geological park in Taiwan, with its most famous landmark being the Queen's Head rock. These rock formations have been forming for thousands of years through erosion of soft sandstone due to wind and water. Hurry and see these formations soon before they are gone forever!
Background: The sandstone that forms the Yehliu formation was created between 10 and 20 million years ago, and was pushed out of the sea along with northern Taiwan thousands of years ago. The Queen's head is formed by two layers of sandstone, one soft fast eroding layer on bottom and a harder layer on top. This kind of sandstone formation can be seen around the world and is known as a hoodoo. The Queen's head was named after Queen Elizabeth I, because it is thought to look like her. The head is eroding .2 to .5 CM per year and is expected to fall at any time! The name Yehliu comes from the Spanish name for the area "Putno Diablos" which was then also used by the Dutch, and transliterated by the Chinese settlers in the area as "Yehliu" in Chinese. Yehliu Ocean world is the largest aquarium in northern Taiwan and has one of the few outdoor sea life amphitheaters in Taiwan. The facility features an indoor aquarium and outdoor show that is geared toward children. Hours: Yehliu Geopark: 8 AM to 5 PM in winter (tickets not sold after 4:30) 8 AM to 6 PM in summer (tickets not sold after 5:30) Yehliu Ocean World: 9 AM to 5 PM Price: Yehliu Geopark: 80 NT per person. Yehliu Ocean World: 330 NT per person (children are sometimes free) Can I touch the rocks? Don't you dare touch the rocks! How to get there: By Bus: There are inter-city buses that leave hourly from Taipei Main Station and Taipei City Hall to Yehliu. By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial highway 2 west out of Keelung, and keep going until you reach Wanli. The turnoff to Yehliu comes right after Wanli beach. Map: Please see below: 
Keelung's Miaokou Night Market is a large night market in northern Taiwan, full of all kinds of delicious Taiwanese street food considered by some to be the best in Taiwan. The market consists mostly of food stalls in front of the Dianji Temple in Keelung, streching on both sides down the street. It is said to be a must see night market and one of the busiest in Taiwan.
Background: The Miaokou Night Market started up after completion of the Dianji Temple (奠基宮) during the Qing Dynasty in 1873. At the time the temple was surrounded by rice fields, but by the Japanese Era the area around the temple began to be developed. Food stalls really started to spread out at the entrance of the temple at the end of the Japanese Era. Since then, the famed food at Miaokou has brought more and more tourists to the area seeking delicious snacks. In recent years (since 2017), many stalls at the night market have become vacant due to high rents, and there have been notably less people visiting the night market. Some say that this is because of the advent of online shopping and food delivery apps. However another big factor is overpriced properties and stingy landlords. The night market is not going to close down anytime soon, but Taiwan is going through an economic transition period that is not only affecting the rental market but also consumer trends. Despite this, you will still be able to find delicious food on the street any night of the year. Hours: Every day 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight. Price: Free admission. How to get there: By Train: Take the TRA to Keelung Station, then walk east on Zhongyi Road (忠一路) until you reach the night market. By Bus: Taking Keelung Bus (intercity bus) or K-Bus from Taipei Main Station or City Hall to Keelung. By Car: Take National Highway 1 north to the end of the highway until it becomes central Keelung, then turn right. There is plenty of parking to the south of the night market underground. By Scooter: Take provincial highway 5 to central Keelung. There is parking along the street but you might have to walk a ways to be able to park in a legal spot. Map: Please see below: |
Author 作家We are US Expats that have extensive experience living, working, and travelling in Taiwan. In our day, we had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But we have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. Our blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. We are just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Archives 檔案
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