Women's Learning
When thinking about going to the sea, most people might think of the coastal areas of Hualien and Taitung. But you don’t have to go that far — in Keelung on the North Coast, you can enjoy a healing ocean view. As we approach the end of 2018, treat yourself to a relaxing light trip to Keelung and let the sea wash away a year’s worth of worries!
Keelung Port has always been an important harbor in Taiwan. In recent years, the government has actively worked on transforming it into a fishing tourism destination, and the surrounding landscape, cultural creativity, and art scene have gradually flourished. Therefore, visiting Keelung not only allows you to see stunning scenery and take envy-inducing Instagram-worthy photos, but also lets you witness the blend of harbor and human history — making it a pretty great travel choice.
The Shen’ao Power Plant will no longer be built, and the railway line known as having the most beautiful scenery in northern Taiwan — the Shen’ao Branch Line — has resumed operations. With the reopening of both the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology Station and Badouzi Station, the Shen’ao Railway Bicycle had its trial operation ahead of schedule this year. From December 28, 2018, to January 17, 2019, it was open to the public for free rides every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Now you can experience a bike ride surrounded by beautiful scenery without going to Korea!
The Shen’ao Railway Bicycle route is about 1.2 km long, starting from Badouzi Station. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent mountain and sea views, as well as cute painted villages and a starry light tunnel that’s sure to max out your camera’s memory. And the blowfish-shaped bicycles are absolutely adorable. If you want to try it out during this holiday, remember to book in advance on the official website at 9:00 AM on December 27!
Image source: Shen’ao Railway Bicycle Facebook fan page
After biking, you can visit the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology to explore marine culture and exhibits, then take a short walk to the nearby Jiaoshi Park. There, you’ll find many landscape installations — the rumored “Harry Potter-style broomstick” is located here. From Jiaoshi Park, you can gaze out at the boundless ocean, and on clear days, you might even spot Keelung Islet. Bring a picnic mat, kite, and some snacks, and you can spend a relaxing half-day here — perfect for families.
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Image source: [email protected] Wu Zhixue / [email protected] Zhuang Xinxian
Next, head west to Peace Island Park, which reopened just this past August. For just NT$80, you can enter the park and admire its unique sea erosion landscapes. Aside from a beautiful man-made beach and a terrazzo slide for kids to play on, the park’s highlight is the “Blue Water Pool” — an outdoor infinity pool filled with seawater. While you swim, fish swim right by you. The pool features varying depths on the inside and outside, suiting both children and adults. Water levels are also affected by tides, and sometimes it may be temporarily closed due to rough waves.
Image source: Peace Island Park official fan page
In December of this year, Peace Island Park also launched new food and beverage services. In addition to a café converted from a radar station, there’s also an international cuisine restaurant, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery while satisfying their appetites. From December 1, 2018, to January 31, 2019, diners can use their park tickets for discounts on meals (NT$40 off full-price tickets, NT$20 off discounted tickets)!
Image source: Peace Island Park official fan page
If you still have time after visiting Peace Island Park, you can take a stroll around the nearby Zhengbin Fishing Port to enjoy the sunset. Since its outer walls were repainted, it has become an overnight sensation and a popular spot for photos — its dreamy look rivals a Taiwanese version of Venice, charming in both daylight and evening.
Image source: Star Hill Mountain – Zhengbin Harbor Town Art Co-Creation fan page
Although Zhengbin Fishing Port may seem run-down now, it was once the first modern fishing port in northern Taiwan. To help more people learn about the area’s cultural history, a group of locals is working hard to infuse the landscape and daily life with art through creative means. As a result, co-creation workshops and art festivals are occasionally held here. Friends who enjoy cultural activities or want to learn more about this area can check the Star Hill Mountain – Zhengbin Harbor Town Art Co-Creation fan page before their trip to see if any events are coming up.
Image source: Star Hill Mountain – Zhengbin Harbor Town Art Co-Creation fan page
Finally, since you’re already in Keelung, don’t miss out on its local specialty — the Gigura — and the famous Miaokou Night Market. Gigura is actually a type of fish cake, but unlike the machine-made ones, these are hand-painted layer by layer by skilled artisans. They’re thin-walled yet flavorful, with a smoky aroma from being grilled over charcoal. You can smell the rich seafood fragrance from afar by the docks, and they’re extremely popular on holidays — arrive late and they might be sold out!
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Image source: [email protected] Huaner’s Persistent Diary / [email protected] Zhiqin Wang
Editor’s note: Compared to the past when Keelung was only associated with Miaokou Night Market, now there’s more planning involved. The attractions are all appealing, and transportation has improved significantly. Even without a car, you can still visit many spots. For those in northern Taiwan, it’s especially convenient — you don’t need to stay overnight, or you can easily enjoy a relaxing two-day, one-night light trip using just your weekend.
Authorized reprint from [Women’s Learning] | Original article: [Year-End Light Travel Proposal: Ride the Shen’ao Rail Bike and Let the Azure Sea Wash Away a Year of Sorrows]