20+ Fun Things to Do in Keelung, Northern Taiwan’s Port City

A guide the best things to do in Keelung City, Taiwan

Keelung (基隆 or Jilong in Mandarin, but pronounced more like Keelung in the Taiwanese language) is a city on the northeast coast of Taiwan and part of the Greater Taipei-Keelung Metropolitan Area. It is built around Northern Taiwan’s largest port, and second largest in the country after Kaohsiung Port. Keelung is a relatively small city …

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A 2024 Guide to Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park

Taroko Gorge Taiwan

Taroko Gorge, named after the Truku or Taroko aboriginal tribe, is arguably Taiwan’s top scenic attractions. Few people visit without being blown away by its sheer magnificence and raw natural beauty. It is the star attraction of Hualien, Taiwan’s largest county (see my Hualien guide and other places to visit in Hualien), on the wild …

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A Guide to Pier 2 Art Center in Kaohsiung City’s Harbor

Pier-2 Arts Center in Kaohsiung

Pier-2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區) is my personal favorite of the many things to do in Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s largest port city. The center features several collection of abandoned shipping warehouses on the Kaohsiung Port, near the entrance to the port and opposite the northern end of Qijin Island. Most of the current warehouses date to the …

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50 Things to Do in Kaohsiung in Southern Taiwan

Fun things to do in Kaohsiung City Taiwan

Kaohsiung, nicknamed Harbor City, is Taiwan’s third largest city and home to the country’s largest port. Once primarily an industrial hub, the city has grown infinitely more alluring in recent years. In 2018, the city even made Lonely Planet’s list of top 10 cities to visit in the world. With the best street art in …

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How to Visit Cijin Island in Kaohsiung City’s Port

A guide to Qijin Island in Kaohsiung city, Taiwan

Look at a map of central Kaohsiung in Taiwan and you’ll see a long skinny island protecting the country’s largest port. The island is called Cijin (旗津 or Qijin, pronounced ‘chee-jeen’), and it is the second-smallest district in Kaohsiung. It’s also one of the easiest-to-visit islands in Taiwan. Spending a half or even full day …

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Where to Stay in Taipei in 2024 (by area & budget)

Wondering where to stay in Taipei? Here's a guide to the best Taipei hotels

One of the hardest parts of planning a trip to a huge city like Taipei is choosing a hotel. This is certainly the case when trying to decide where to stay in Taipei! Unlike some other major cities in Asia, Taipei doesn’t really have a backpacker’s street or district. Taipei’s top sights are spread out, …

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Where to Stay in Kaohsiung in 2024 (by area & budget)

Infinity pool with view of 85 Sky Tower at one of the best hotels in Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is the largest city in Southern Taiwan. It is known for its street art, impressive temples, and port city vibes. It can also be a base for trips to Xiaoliuqiu Island and the beaches of Kenting National Park. Make sure to budget at least 2-3 days of your trip in Kaohsiung. Overall, you’ll find …

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A Guide to Dihua Street in Dadaocheng, Taipei’s Oldest Street

Dadaocheng (大稻埕) is undoubtedly one of Taipei’s most compelling neighborhoods and best places to explore on foot. While Wanhua, the historical Old City to the south, is a magnet for tourists, serious history, food & culture fans can’t miss Dadaocheng. Twatutia, as Dadaocheng is pronounced in the Hokkien (Taiwanese) language, was once the second largest …

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A Guide to Dulan, Taitung: Taiwan’s Coolest Beach Hangout

Dulan Beach Taitung Taiwan

If you’re traveling down Highway 11 on Taiwan’s east coast from Hualien to Taitung looking for good surf, want to hang out with artists, or just seeking an antidote to nearby Kenting’s beach resort scene, Dulan is your spot. Dulan is located in a remote and very beautiful corner of Taiwan, but even from Taipei, …

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