Keelung Historical Forts: Baimiweng & Coastal Defense

Keelung, formerly known as Jilong, is the gateway to northern Taiwan. Due to its vital strategic location, it has been a target of foreign powers since the Age of Discovery. Today, the smoke of war has cleared, and the remaining coastal defense forts have become the best observation decks overlooking the beautiful harbor.

1. Baimiweng Fort: Ruins of the Dutch?

Located on the west side of Keelung Harbor, it is also known as "Holland Castle".

• Invincible Seaview: The most fascinating part here is not the cannons (in fact, there are no cannons left, only the mounts), but the view. The four semi-circular gun emplacements are lined up, facing the vast East China Sea. On the left are the three giant smokestacks of the Xiehe Power Plant, and Keelung Islet is on the right.
• Sunset Time: This is a famous sunset viewing spot in Keelung. When the golden sunlight shines on the sea and cargo ships slowly enter the port, the scene is quiet and spectacular.

2. Dawulun Fort: Guarding the Western Heights

Located above the famous Dawulun Lover's Lake, it is a national second-class historical monument.

• Military Architecture: It is quite well preserved here. You can see solid barracks, ammunition depots, bunkers, and gun emplacements cleverly hidden in the woods.
• Commanding View: From the fort area, you can overlook Dawulun Aodi Fishing Port and Lover's Lake down below, offering an excellent field of vision.

3. Ershawan Fort: Haimen Tiansian

Located in Zhongzheng Park on the east side of Keelung Harbor.

• Haimen Tiansian: The four large Chinese characters "Haimen Tiansian" (meaning "Heavenly Natural Defense of the Sea Gate") are carved on the city gate, looking majestic.
• Traditional Chinese Gate: Unlike the Western style of other forts, this place retains traditional Chinese city walls and gate designs, witnessing the history of the Sino-French War.

4. Keelung's Renaissance and Air Raid Shelters

Beyond its forts, Keelung's unique port topography has resulted in the highest density of air raid shelters in Taiwan. In recent years, these spaces, once bearing the scars of history, have ushered in a "renaissance":

• Transformation of Century-Old Shelters: Many once-forgotten air raid shelters have now been reinvented into highly atmospheric cafes, bars, or art exhibition spaces. Stepping into these caves under dim lighting allows you to experience a unique charm where time intertwines.
• Taiping Bluebird and Modern Design: The "Taiping Bluebird" bookstore, converted from an abandoned elementary school, along with the cultural and creative clusters built along the hillside, has injected youthful vitality into this rainy city, making it a modern cultural node not to be missed after exploring the historical sites.

5. Itinerary Suggestions

Since Keelung's forts are mostly located on high ground, wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended.

• Morning: Go to Baimiweng Fort to see the sea, and then head to the nearby "Liulangtou" area for some Shacha Curry Beef Noodles.
• Afternoon: Explore Ershawan Fort, visit the unique cafes converted from air raid shelters, and drop by Zhongzheng Park along the way.
• Night: Of course, head to the Keelung Miaokou Night Market for a feast, and end the round with a Nutritional Sandwich and Bubble Ice.

Real User Insights

Based on tourist reviews on Google Maps, here are some honest tidbits you wouldn't know until you get there:

• Well-preserved coastal defense forts with panoramic ocean views and a perfect sightline to Keelung Islet.
• The three giant smokestacks of the nearby power plant form a unique and iconic scenery.
• The environment is quiet, tranquil, and the scenery is very pleasant.

6. Conclusion

The charm of Keelung lies not only in its rain and night markets, but also in these silent guardians. Climbing up the fort and feeling the sea breeze, you will see the resilience and beauty of this port city that has lasted for hundreds of years.

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Further Reading: Looking for more delicious food in Keelung? Please refer to the Keelung Miaokou Night Market Guide.