Keelung one-day tour, Houdong in-depth tourism: Keelung, located in the northern part of Taiwan, has a busy port and rich historical background, and is the first choice for many tourists. Houtong not far away is the cat village with a long mining history and surprises. These two locations may seem unrelated, but in fact there is a deep connection between them, making them treasures to be explored by domestic and foreign tourists.
Many people may choose the traditional express tour, but why would I recommend an in-depth tour? In-depth tourism is not only to see scenic spots and take pictures, but also to let tourists deeply experience and feel the local culture, history and way of life.
In Keelung, you can feel the prosperity and history of this ancient port city; in Houtong, you can walk into the mining life of the past and spend a good time with the local cats. Through in-depth tourism, you can not only experience the charm of these places more truly, but also get a unique satisfaction and inspiration from it, making the journey not only the scenery in front of you, but also the touch of your soul.
Let’s watch the travel vlog first to experience the beauty of Keelung!
1. Keelung one-day tour:Keelung—the Charm of the Harbor City
Keelung, known as "Rain Harbor", is one of Taiwan's important seaports. Surrounded by mountains, this city has a unique geographical location and rich marine resources, making it a place full of history and culture.
The development history and significance of Keelung Port
Keelung Port has played an extremely important role in Taiwan's history. From the early immigration of Han Chinese to the arrival of Western powers in the 19th century, Keelung Port has always been an important hub of transportation and trade. The development of the port has promoted the prosperity of Keelung, and also brought diverse cultural exchanges. When you walk on the streets of Keelung, you can see all kinds of buildings, from ancient stone houses to modern skyscrapers, all telling the history and development of Keelung Port.
Night Market Food and Local Specialty Snacks
One-day trip to Keelung: Speaking of Keelung, one cannot miss its famous night market food. Keelung Miaokou Night Market is the most representative Keelung sightseeing spot in the area, attracting countless tourists and food lovers. From traditional lo mei, oyster omelette to creative local snacks, every bite is memorable. Not just for the enjoyment of the taste buds, every stall and every dish in the night market represents the life and culture of Keelung.
Keelung Food Recommendation: Yimei Stone Hot Pot
I have to say that this should be one of the best stone hot pots I have ever eaten in the north (Mong Kok in Ximen is also my favourite). It may be due to the fact that it is located in the harbor of Keelung. Many hot pot ingredients feel like real fish paste. Filled, the essence of the stone hot pot is the aroma of the fried soup, which completely adds a layer to the whole pot of soup. Basically, it should be queued up. It is really delicious and recommended!
If you want to refer to more Keelung itinerary, you can see:[Keelung Attractions] 15 must-see attractions recommended! Uncharted coastline & beautiful trails are waiting for you
two,HoudongIn-depth tour:Houdong—Mining Relics and Cat Village
Houtong, not far from Keelung, is a small town full of history and natural charm. Once an important coal mine in Taiwan, it is now popular with tourists for its unique cat village. Houtong not only preserves rich mining relics, but also has spectacular terrain and ecology.
Houtong's Mining History and Cultural Heritage
Houtong was an important coal mining town in Taiwan at the beginning of the 20th century, attracting a large number of miners to mine. With the prosperity of the coal mining industry, the town has gradually developed, leaving behind many historical buildings and relics. Today, these relics have been refurbished and transformed into cultural heritage, showing tourists the mining history of Houtong. Visitors can tour the Coal Mining Museum, old mine pits, and learn about this important history through commentary.
Houtong Cat Village: Close contact with cats
HoudongFor a one-day trip, Houtong is most popular with tourists than its famous cat village. There are a large number of stray cats living in this special place, and they coexist peacefully with the local residents, which has become one of the characteristics of Houtong. Strolling in the narrow alleys, visitors can see all kinds of cats, lying on the roof basking in the sun, or playing on the side of the road. Many tourists come here specially to interact with these cats and feel their charm.
Recommend Keelung and Jiufen one-day tour guide
- Let an English-speaking guide take you around the must-see attractions in Northern Taiwan
- Explore natural wonders on Heping Island and admire the strange rocks and boulders along the coast
- Visit the Shifen Old Street next to the train tracks, and write your wishes on the sky lanterns with your family
- Stroll through the mountain city of Jiufen, wander through the alleys, feel the nostalgic flavor and buy various Taiwanese specialties
- Free cancellation 24 hours before
- Confirm now
- Book now, use tomorrow
- Minimum group number: 6 people
- Participate in the link:Taipei｜Heping Island & Shifen & Jiufen Day Tour,Taipei: Houtong Cat Village & Jiufen Food Discovery and Tea Tasting Day Tour
3. Keelung Houtong Itinerary Planning and Traffic Suggestions
How to visit Houtong and Keelung in one day
- morning:Houdong
- 08:00 Arrive at Houtong, first visit the coal mine ruins and museum, and learn about its rich history.
- 10:00 Visit the cat village and have an intimate interaction with the cats.
- 11:30 Walk along the nature trail and experience the beauty of nature.
- afternoon:Keelung
- 13:00 Arrive in Keelung, taste the seaport or Keelung city to taste the food.
- 14:30 You can go to Badouzi, Wangyou Valley, or Haisheng Museum to get close to nature, Waimu Mountain, Miaomiao Coffee to enjoy the scenery along the coast.
- At 16:30, you can slowly move to the urban area, and prepare to have a big meal at Keelung Miaokou.
- 18:30 Enjoy the charming night view at Keelung Port, usually there are cruise ships to watch.
Mode of transportation: light and convenient transportation suggestions
The transportation from Houtong to Keelung is very convenient. The following are recommended modes of transportation:
- train: It only takes 15 minutes from Houtong Railway Station to Keelung Railway Station, and there are frequent trains.
- bike: Through the bicycle lanes along the coastline, you can exercise and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way.
- the bus: The bus is another economical and convenient option, with multiple shifts to choose from.
Keelung local weather and clothing guide
Since the areas of Houtong and Keelung are humid and rainy all year round, tourists are advised to bring rain gear. Wear breathable clothing and wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen if planning outdoor activities such as hiking.
Conclusion: Keelung day trip HoudongIn-depth tourism
Houtong and Keelung are not only important tourist destinations in Taiwan, but also witness the profound historical and cultural evolution of this land. From the mining relics of Houtong to the busy seaport of Keelung, every step tells a story of the past. Through in-depth travel, we can experience these stories, feel the real rhythm of local life, and taste local delicacies. When you immerse yourself in the cat village in Houtong or the night market in Keelung, you are not only a tourist, but also an explorer of time, following the footsteps of time and gaining an in-depth understanding of the charm of this land. I hope that through the recommendations in this article, every reader can plan their own in-depth journey and experience the beautiful scenery of Houtong and Keelung.
Q&A: Keelung Day Trip HoudongIn-depth tourism
Question: How did Houtong get its name?
Answer: The origin of the name Houtong is inseparable from the local natural environment and historical background. In the early days, there was a cave here, where a large number of monkeys lived, so it was nicknamed "Monkey Cave" by local residents. However, in the era of Japanese occupation, coal mines began to be abundant here. Since the word "hole" is unlucky in the coal mining industry (because it implies that water may gushes out of the pit, which is very dangerous in the mining industry), it was named It was renamed "Houdong". However, in the 51st year of the Republic of China, considering that the word "monkey" might be somewhat inelegant, the place name was revised to "Houtong". At the same time, the name of the local railway station was also changed to "Houtong Station".
Q: What are some recommendations for special snacks in Keelung?
Answer: There are many special snacks in Keelung, such as: Miaokouhong BBQ squid, pineapple cake, Manfulou pineapple cake, Niutou brand crock chicken, Badouzi crab fried noodles, etc. The Miaokou Night Market is a gourmet paradise where you can taste all kinds of local snacks.
Q: What is the origin of Houtong Cat Village?
Answer: Houtongmao Village was originally a coal mining village, but with the decline of the coal mining industry, many residents moved out. Later, the number of wild cats here began to increase and became a local feature. Residents and external animal protection groups are committed to taking care of these cats, gradually attracting a large number of tourists to visit, thus forming the landscape of today's cat village.
Q: What are the modes of transportation between Keelung and Houtong?
Answer: The most convenient way to travel from Keelung to Houtong is by train. Trains are frequent and only take about 15-20 minutes to get there. In addition, you can also choose to drive or ride a motorcycle along Tai 2 Line or Fund Highway.
Q: If you want to learn more about Houtong's mining culture, what other places can you visit?
Answer: In addition to the Houtong Coal Mine Museum, you can also visit Houtong Old Street, Houtong Coal Mine Life Museum and other places. These are good places to learn more about Houtong's mining culture.