Corissa Peterson

Keelung Islet (基隆嶼) is perhaps Keelung’s most distinct geological landmark, and is easy to spot all along the northeast coast. About 6 kilometers away from the harbor, it serves as a guide for those coming in to port.
A volcanic formation, Keelung Islet juts out of the ocean with a steep incline and little flat ground. It is a popular spot for hiking in the summertime, when ferries travel back and forth between the islet and the Bisha Fishing Harbor in Badouzi. If you’re interested in trackin...

All relationships have a natural ebb and flow to them; at times we feel more in sync and at other times, distant. Occasionally it can feel like you have nothing to talk about, because you’ve discussed it all before, or there’s simply nothing new in your lives to bring up. If it’s your first experience of this lull, fear not – it’s a normal experience in any relationship. It just means that it’s time to get a little more intentional, and to actively engage with your partner. In doing so togeth...

I recently had the privilege of joining a very special walking tour with Keelung For A Walk: The Ghost Festival Tour. Despite the fact that there are currently no English tours happening (and likely won’t be for some time as COVID-19 has meant such restrictive travel measures), I was able to accompany the group for a Chinese tour, of which Mila kindly offered to translate as much as possible. The group was a mix of local Keelungers and Taiwanese people from other parts of the island, all inte...

The Khóo Tsú-song Old House (許梓桑古厝) is named after its former resident Khóo Tsú-song (in Mandarin, Xu Zi-sang), mayor of Keelung and Taipei Council Member during the Japanese colonial era. Ranking among Taiwan’s elite, he was actively involved in literary circles, and was well known for composing poetry.
The architecture of the house is telling of its time and influences. The red brick recalls fortifications of Dutch and Spanish build, and the two-story structure draws on western baroque styl...

Keelung Miaokou Night Market (基隆廟口夜市) is Keelung’s most celebrated attraction. Located right in the center of the market is Dianji Temple, built in 1873. As Keelung’s largest temple, and host to religious ceremonies and many performances, its heavy foot traffic inspired local vendors to set up shop outside, and the area continued to expand. Thus Miaokou grew into the sprawling market it is today, with over two hundred food stalls from which you can sample tasty local delicacies.
Keelung’s ren...

Qingan Temple (慶安宮) is one of Keelung’s oldest and most famous temples, originally built during the Qing Dynasty in 1780 on the west side of Keelung Harbor. In 1815 the temple was relocated to its current location south of the harbor to accommodate the needs of the growing immigrant population in that area.
Locals also refer to the Qingan Temple as ‘Mazu Temple’ (媽祖廟), as it was built for the worship of Mazu, goddess of the sea. Mazu is a widely renowned and worshipped figure in Taiwan, fitti...

Built in 2009, Maritime Plaza (海洋廣場) is located in the heart of downtown Keelung. A stone’s throw from the main train station, bus station and cruise ship dock, Maritime Plaza is often the first attraction people visit, and is a popular local hangout besides. The large square stretches out before Keelung’s harbor, making it a fun place to watch boats coming and going, particularly the large and magnificent cruise ships that come in to port for the day.
Facing the harbor and spread out across ...

Built by the Japanese during the colonial era in 1934, the Zhengbin Fishing Harbor (正濱漁港) was once the biggest fishing port on the island. No longer the bustling center of its past, the pace of life is noticeably slower in this corner of the city. Perhaps Keelung’s most iconic Instagram location, Zhengbin Fishing Harbor is popular among locals and tourists alike. Here you will meet a row of flamboyantly multi-colored buildings just waiting to be photographed. If driving by, blink and you migh...

Situated on the picturesque northeast coast along a sprawling cape near Keelung, Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園) is home to some of Taiwan’s most famous geological wonders. Thousands of years of wave erosion and weathering have given rise to a wide variety of unearthly rock formations, all bearing distinct features.
Many of the formations in the park are named after their likeness, and some have become particularly iconic, such as the Queen’s Head, the Fairy’s Shoe, and the Ice Cream Rock. The fairy’...

Along with the Miaokou Night Market (廟口夜市), Zhongzheng Park (基隆中正公園)is one of Keelung’s most widely recognized landmarks. The park is distinct in that it consists of several tiers up Dashawan mountain, with each tier offering its own attractions.
Perhaps most famous of these is the Guanhai Pavilion, home to both a Maitreya Buddha statue and a 25-meter tall Goddess of Mercy statue. She looks out over the city center, guarded by two colossal golden lions who offer protection and good fortune fo...

Heping Island Park (和平島公園) is Keelung’s hidden gem, a sanctuary from the bustling city. It’s enviable location on the coast northeast of Keelung Harbor makes it a prime spot for taking in the ocean air and sights. An island steeped in natural beauty, it showcases many of the geological features unique to this corner of Taiwan, formed around 20 million years ago. The distinctive mushroom rock formations that Yehliu Geopark is famous for can be seen here, on a smaller scale. As a geopark itself...