Keelung City Guide
Historical Sites
The Liu Ming-Chuan Tunnel within the Anle district has recently been opened to visitors. The deep and dark tunnel runs for 200 metres and leads to another historical site, the Shihciouling Gun Mount. Another underground site is the Sian Dong Jhuang Buddha Hand Cave. There are several paths which lead to several different caves; this adventure transports you to a variety of spots where you can look for a handprint which resembles the Buddha’s shape.
There are also many monuments which enable tourists to learn about Taiwan’s turbulent past. The newly uncovered monument of Prince Peipai Chuanung Nanchiu records the general’s invasion of Taiwan and death in Tainan. The National Hero grave was built to memorialise the soldiers who died during the Sino-French war. This was found between 1950 and 1957 and has now been renovated for people to visit and remember the past.
Natural Wonders
The Tai-an Waterfall is situated in a well-preserved forest area within the Caolan Mountain. There are picnic and BBQ areas where you can enjoy watching the waterfalls and lakes whilst eating with family and friends. You can also jump into the waterfall to cool down during the summer months. Another must-see spot is the Keelung Islet; this island was formed by volcanoes and offers tourists beautiful scenes across the city.
The Nuandong Gorge is great for a relaxing retreat as the area is well preserved and has clear fresh water flowing through it all year round. You can walk along paths which take you to a crag which offers breathtaking views across the surrounding areas. There are also many footpaths which enable you to observe the plants, flowers and exotic animals that exist within the Gorge. The Jinlong Pond is another serene sight and is also great for leisure activities such as hiking and cycling. You can also spot some of the fifty four species of dragonflies from the observation deck which looks out across the vast amount of green waters.
Religious Spots
There are an abundance of temples and religious spots within Keelung; each will provide visitors with insight into the religions from Keelung’s past and present. The Laotakung Temple is built as a sign of peace between immigrants from Changchou and Chuancho; the rich red and gold tones alongside the intricate design work makes this a must see spot. The Fairy Cave is another breathtaking area; the temple exists underground in a hole which has been eroded by the ocean. There are carvings of the Buddha on the wall as well as calligraphy from the Ching Dynasty; you can also observe the giant Buddha statue which guards the entrance of the temple.