Absolutely hidden gems！ Stop only going to Jiufen — here are 10 secret spots in Northern Taiwan revealed

▲ In recent years, many popular check-in spots have emerged around Keelung, drawing renewed attention from the public. (Photo / Reporter Xu Wenbin)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Don’t just go to Jiufen when visiting Northern Taiwan anymore！ In recent years, many popular IG check-in spots have emerged around Keelung, drawing renewed attention to this once-forgotten, melancholic city,Internet Trend Trackerhas compiled a list of “10 secret spots recommended by locals.” These include century-old historical relics as well as artistic creations that feel like movie scenes, definitely changing your impression of the attractions around Keelung. Come see if you’ve checked them all off yet?

▲ Wangyou Valley feels like a carefree world by the sea; the whole walk takes about an hour. (Photo / Reporter Huang Linghan)

1. Wangyou Valley, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City   [Insider Index: ★★]

Want to forget your worries? Head to Wangyou Valley！ Located behind the Keelung Ocean Technology Museum, Wangyou Valley features vast green lawns and flat, easy walking trails. The entire walk takes about an hour, with endless seas and stunning sea-meets-sky views that resemble a heavenly coastal path. It’s also one of the best spots to view Keelung Islet！

Address: Badouzi, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, year-round

▲ The super-popular Totoro bus stop attracts many people to wait for the bus with Totoro. (Photo / Reporter Xu Wenbin)

2. Zhongzheng Park + Totoro Bus Stop, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City   [Insider Index: ★]

From downtown Keelung, you can see a giant seven-story white Guanyin statue in the distance. This statue is located within Zhongzheng Park, while the super-popular photo spot “Totoro Bus Stop” is next to Shoushan Pavilion on Shoushan Road. The adorable and playful image of Totoro attracts many to wait for the bus with him！ The nearby viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the entire Keelung harbor area and is also a great spot to enjoy beautiful night scenery.

Address: Shoushan Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City — follow the signs near the Comprehensive Sports Stadium
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, year-round

▲ The giant magic broom at Keelung Chaojing Park makes you feel like you've stepped into the magical world of Harry Potter. (Photo / Provided by IG@elena_0921, please do not reproduce without permission)

3. Chaojing Park + Magic Broom, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City  [Insider Index: ★]

Bajiaozi Chaojing Park has long been a popular diving spot in Keelung. Recently, a giant magic broom appeared there, making visitors feel like they’ve entered the magical world of Harry Potter, thus becoming a hot check-in destination. With one broom offering a hundred styles, everyone captures their own magical scene. Aside from enjoying the sea, you can also gaze at Jiufen and Keelung Islet from afar. At dusk, as Jiufen lights up gradually, the golden glow across the landscape is particularly stunning.

Address: Lane 369, Beining Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, year-round

▲ A Van Gogh “Starry Night” grassland made from 4 million PET bottles. (Photo / Screenshot from the Starry Grassland fan page)

4. Starry Grassland, Ruifang District, New Taipei City   [Insider Index: ★★★]

Windmills arranged into a yellow duck, PET bottles forming Van Gogh’s famous paintings, discarded CDs pieced together into colorful artworks — this is Starry Grassland, known to almost everyone in Keelung. In reality, it’s a massive cemetery, but the operators have successfully built a creative cultural brand. In recent years, they’ve also introduced various amusement facilities from time to time, such as a 120-meter-long water slide, grassy slope sledding, and high-speed go-karting, making it hard to tell whether it’s a theme park or a graveyard.

Address: Turn right from Renyi Road in Keelung City onto Yuemei Road, and follow the signs to get there
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00–19:00 | Holidays 10:00–19:00
Ticket Info: Adults NT$100 | Concession NT$50

▲ The incredibly lifelike Giant Elephant Trunk Rock became an overnight sensation last year. (Photo / Provided by netizen IG @joeysomerhalder, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

5. Elephant Trunk Rock, Ruifang District, New Taipei City  [Insider Index: ★★★]

The "Elephant Trunk Rock," which went viral last year, is still packed with crowds on holidays now. It's one of the hidden gems along the coastal highway of northern Taiwan. Accessible through the unassuming entrance of Shen’ao Fishing Port, this spot hides the largest elephant-shaped rock formation in Taiwan. The remarkably lifelike giant elephant trunk rock attracts many visitors to take photos and check in. Although it’s no longer a secret hideaway due to its popularity, the stunning scenery is absolutely worth seeing in person.

Address: Enter Shen’ao Road from Provincial Highway 2 and drive to the end to reach the site.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours all year round

▲ The Argonaut Shipyard was once a filming location for the movie "Captain America" in Taiwan. (Photo provided by netizen ig mike_ya. No unauthorized photography to avoid copyright infringement.)

6. Zhongzheng District, Keelung City — Argonaut Shipyard [Secrecy Index: ★★★★]

The structure of the Argonaut Shipyard has been severely damaged, so visitors must be cautious of their own safety. Once a filming location for the Hollywood movie "Captain America," the shipyard gained brief fame and attracted many tourists for photos. However, in early 2016, it was suddenly demolished, and the Cultural Affairs Bureau stepped in to halt the destruction, preserving what remains. Today, only ruins are left, but that hasn’t dampened people’s enthusiasm for photo opportunities.

Address: No. 75, Lane 116, Zhengbin Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours all year round

▲ Keelung’s Buddha’s Hand Cave offers an eerie atmosphere reminiscent of a horror movie. (Photo by reporter Lee Yuk-kang)

7. Zhongshan District, Keelung City — Buddha’s Hand Cave [Secrecy Index: ★★★★★]

Adventure lovers shouldn’t miss this hidden gem. Buddha’s Hand Cave is a completely natural sea-eroded cave, later improved into a scenic area by the government. However, not many people know about this place. As you step into the cave, you’ll immediately feel a noticeable drop in temperature, with an eerie vibe akin to a horror film setting. Come check it out before it becomes too popular.

Address: No. 1, Ren’an Street, Zhongshan District, Keelung City. Follow the signs near Xian Dongyan to get there.
Opening Hours: 08:00–18:00

▲ A Hollywood-style signage landmark is Keelung’s most eye-catching symbol. (Photo by reporter Hsu Wen-bin)

8. Zhongshan District, Keelung City — Landmark Park [Secrecy Index: ★★★★]

The most iconic sight in Keelung is undoubtedly the “KEELUNG” signboard landmark. Walking out of Keelung Railway Station, you can see this Hollywood-style sign in the distance. At night, it lights up and changes colors, offering a bird’s-eye view of the entire city and the luxury cruise ships coming and going from the harbor. It’s distinctive both during the day and at night.

Address: No. 217 Lane, Zhongshan 1st Road, Zhongshan District, Keelung City. Follow the signs to the landmark viewpoint.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours all year round

▲ The timeless classic spot, Bu Yan Ting, is now a popular IG check-in destination. (Photo by reporter Huang Ling-han)

9. Ruifang District, New Taipei City — Bu Yan Ting [Secrecy Index: ★★★]

Bu Yan Ting is definitely one of the breakout spots of last year. Located at the border of Shuangxi and Ruifang, it’s a classic, enduring attraction that many visitors to Keelung make a point to stop by. Thanks to its unique geographical location, you can enjoy views of both the Shuangxi and Sandiao Ridge landscapes on one side, and blue skies with the ocean on the other. In front, a straight road stretches endlessly toward the horizon. When there are no people or cars, it creates an indescribably majestic feeling.

Address: On Provincial Highway 102 (Ruishuang Highway), at the border between Shuangxi and Jiufen
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours all year round

▲ Qitang Old Street in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, is a hidden gem for hipsters. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Gold Ecological Park)

10. Ruifang District, New Taipei City — Qitang Old Street [Secrecy Index: ★★★★★]

If you’re a hipster, don’t miss the artsy vibe of Qitang Old Street. Unlike the crowded Jiufen Old Street during holidays, the equally historic Qitang Old Street is much quieter. Many residents have long since moved away, leaving behind scattered shops, cafes, and homestays. Its serene ambiance exudes a unique charm that can instantly make you feel like a trendsetter — especially with the right caption.

Address: Qitang Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours all year round