Keelung Port Sightseeing Guide: Cruising to Taiwan's Northern Port

Keelung Basics

Port overview

Keelung is Taiwan's second-largest cargo port and is sometimes called "Rain Port" for its frequent rain. The compact downtown has night markets and temples, and the rail network connects to Taipei, Jiufen, and Shifen for day trips.

As a cruise port

Strengths:

• Port is walking distance from downtown
• Easy access to Taipei and Jiufen
• Unique Keelung-only experiences like Miaokou Night Market
• Relatively low transport costs (rail and bus options)

Caveats:

• Reaching Taipei or Jiufen takes real travel time
• Keelung gets a lot of rain — be ready for it
• Short port calls (<6 hours) make distant sightseeing hard

Areas by Distance from the Port

Keelung (walking distance)

Miaokou Night Market

A signature Keelung food destination. One of Taiwan's three biggest night markets. Yellow lanterns line the streets, and seafood specialties dominate. Stalls are numbered, which makes finding specific spots easy.

• Access: ~10–15 minutes on foot from the port
• Try: Charcoal-grilled sandwich, tempura, seafood stir-fry, douhua

Note: The market peaks in the evening, but plenty of stalls operate during the day too, so daytime port calls work as well.

Qing'an Temple

A temple right next to Miaokou. Dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of seafarers — guardian of Keelung's fishing and maritime industries. The architecture and worship scene give a strong sense of Taiwanese culture.

Keelung Station area

Convenient for shopping and meals. The TRA (Taiwan Railways) terminus is here, and trains to Taipei depart from this station.

Jiufen — One of Taiwan's Most Famous Sights

What's Jiufen

A hillside town strung with red lanterns. World-famous as the inspiration setting for the animated film, and especially magical in the early evening when the lights come on.

• Access: ~40–50 minutes by bus (route 788) from Keelung Station
• Time needed: ~3–4 hours round-trip

Highlights

• Shuqi Street stairs: steep stone stairs lined with tea houses and souvenir shops; the photo spot
• Jiufen Old Street: traditional Taiwanese crafts, sweets, and street food
• A-Mei Tea House: the iconic red-lantern tea house with terrace views

Recommended for ports of 8+ hours. For 6 hours or less, focus on either Keelung or Taipei to avoid running out of buffer time.

Shifen — Town of Sky Lanterns

A small town along a rail line famous for releasing sky lanterns. The shops sit alongside the tracks.

• Access: ~1 hour to 1.5 hours from Taipei via TRA Pingxi Line. Or via bus and transfer from Keelung.
• Time needed: ~4–5 hours round-trip

Note: Jiufen and Shifen are close geographically, but the transit transfers make doing both in one day hard. Pick one.

Taipei — 40 Minutes Away

Taiwan's capital, 40 minutes by train from Keelung. Sights, food, and shopping are all here.

• Access: TRA local train ~40 minutes from Keelung Station, NT$35–40 one way

Top spots

Wangyou Valley and Badouzi — Suburban Nature

For nature, the Wangyou Valley and Badouzi area is good.

• Wangyou Valley: a V-shaped valley with greenery; a coastal trail with ocean views
• Badouzi: a small fishing port; wall art and seafood drying yards capture the village feel; Badouzi Station is one of Taiwan's most scenic stations
• Access: ~20–30 minutes by bus or taxi from Keelung downtown

Transport

Train (TRA)

Keelung → Taipei

• Time: ~40 minutes
• Fare: ¥160–180)
• Frequency: every ~30 minutes during the day
• Tickets: vending machines; English available

Taipei → Jiufen / Shifen (transfers)

• TRA Yilan Line and Pingxi Line
• Jiufen nearest station: Ruifang (~40–50 minutes from Taipei) + ~20-minute bus

Bus

Keelung → Jiufen

• Route 788 from Keelung Bus Terminal
• ~40–50 minutes
• Fare: ~NT$30–40

Taxi

• Few Japanese-speaking drivers, but translation apps handle it
• Metered, relatively cheap
• Keelung to Jiufen: ¥1,800–2,300)

Notes

• An EasyCard ("YouYou Card") simplifies transit (buy and top up at convenience stores or stations)
• Some baggage storage at Keelung Port

Itineraries by Port Time

4 hours: stay in Keelung

Idea: Minimize transit; lean into Keelung's food and culture.

6 hours: Jiufen

Idea: One of Taiwan's most photographable spots. Aim to arrive before sunset.

8–10 hours: half-day Taipei

Idea: National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, Longshan Temple — pick 2–3.

Tips for Keelung

1. Budget back from departure

Be at the port at least 1–1.5 hours before the ship leaves.

2. Bring an umbrella

Keelung is rainy all year. A folding umbrella or rain jacket helps.

3. Exchange money at the port or Taipei station

Look for the port exchange counter or Taipei station bank exchange. Rates vary — compare.

4. Japanese

Major Taipei spots may have some Japanese, but expect to lean on English or a translation app.

5. Pick Jiufen or Taipei

Doing both makes both feel rushed. Pick by your time window.

Wrapping Up

Keelung is an easy port — walking-distance downtown plus rail access to Taipei, Jiufen, and Shifen.

• 4–5 hours: Keelung downtown
• 6–7 hours: Jiufen
• 8+ hours: Half-day Taipei

Match the itinerary to your window and Taiwan opens up.

Information in this article is current as of December 2025. Transit costs and times are approximate and may vary. Confirm current details with each destination's official sources.