Keelung ◦ Anle | Seeing Hope Through the Eyes of the Locals | TAIWAN 368-42

by YU-LING

While taking a stroll around Lover’s Lake Park, I stumbled upon a cozy-looking multi-purpose art and culture space. Inside, a few wooden tables and chairs with a warm, natural texture caught my eye. As I admired the space, the founder started sharing her journey—how she return to her hometown and used cross-industry collaboration to drive local revitalization.
“She must really love this place.”
Her passion for Keelung was evident in the way she spoke, and it made me see this land in a whole new light.

◦ Keelung Travel Guide

01|Transportation in Keelung

🚗 Cross-city Chartered One-day Tour from Taipei

02|Popular Attractions in Keelung

🎫 Taipei Fun Pass
🎫 National Museum of Marine Science and Technology Ticket
🎫 i OCEAN Admission Ticket
🎫 Keelung Heping Island Park E-ticket

03|Things To Do in Keelung

🚢 Keelung Islet Island Landing, Around the Island, Going to the Lighthouse, and Going Around the Elephant Trunk Rock Experience
🚢 Keelung Offshore Fishing Experience & Fisherman’s Cuisine
🏕️ All-Inclusive Glamping Vacation at Lapopo Campground

◦ The Past of Anle

During the Qing Dynasty, Anle District was primarily a hub for fishing and port activities. Under Japanese rule, it was reorganized as "District 4." After the Nationalist government relocated to Taiwan, Keelung's District 4 was renamed "Anle District" in 1946, symbolizing the idea of "peaceful living and prosperous work." True to its name, Anle District has flourished. Though it ranks third in size among Keelung’s districts, it has the highest population density.

◦ Attractions in Anle
01|Lover’s Lake Park

Nestled on the mountainside of Dawulun Mountain, Lover’s Lake Park is Keelung’s only highland lake. This scenic spot is perfect for hiking, but what makes it truly special is the way its two connected lakes—one larger and one smaller—resemble lovers snuggled together. Because of this romantic imagery, it has become a popular destination for couples and a favorite spot for wedding photos.

In addition to the lakeside trail and the Lover’s Lake Suspension Bridge, visitors can also explore the surrounding mountain trails leading to Eagle Rock and Dawulun Fort. These trails are not too challenging and offer stunning panoramic views of Keelung Islet, making them well worth the visit!

Lover’s Lake Park

No. 19, Ln. 208, Jijin 1st Rd., Anle Dist., Keelung
02|Qiaoshansheng

Located along the Lover’s Lake trail, Qiaoshansheng is a place as picturesque as its name suggests. Stepping into this multi-purpose art and culture space, I was immediately drawn to the warm wooden tables and chairs, as well as the carefully curated books closely tied to nature and sustainability. It was clear that the founder of this space was no ordinary person.

Since I was the only visitor at the time, the thoughtful and visionary owner struck up a conversation with me. She spoke passionately about her decision to leave the business world and return to her hometown to explore different ways of revitalizing the local community. The enthusiasm in her voice, along with her impeccable taste in selecting unique items, made me excited about the endless possibilities this space could offer!

Qiaoshansheng

Opening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Wednesday.
No. 19, Ln. 208, Jijin 1st Rd., Anle Dist., Keelung
03|Dawulun Fort

Leaving Lover’s Lake Park, a 10-minute ride uphill takes you to Dawulun Fort. Over a century ago, this fortress played a crucial role in defending the city, once serving as a Qing military outpost. The ruins we see today, however, are mostly remnants of renovations made during the Japanese colonial period.

I personally love this place. With fewer visitors around, it’s easy to quietly immerse yourself in the atmosphere and imagine the battles that once took place here. The faded red inscriptions on the stone slabs add to the fort’s mysterious and storied past.

Dawulun Fort

Opening Hours: 0900-1700
No. 19, Ln. 208, Jijin 1st Rd., Anle Dist., Keelung
04|Dawulun Aodi Fishing Harbor

Located between Keelung and Wanli, Dawulun Aodi Fishing Harbor is connected to WaiMuShan Fishing Port along the coastal highway, often leading visitors to mistake them as one single destination. However, an aerial view reveals the unique charm of Aodi Fishing Harbor.

Unlike most of the Northeast Coast, this area features a rare sandy shoreline. In addition to being a docking spot for small fishing boats, it’s also a great place for swimming and leisurely strolls.

Dawulun Aodi Fishing Harbor

Sec. 2, Huhai Rd., Anle Dist., Keelung
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Anle
01|Jiuru Nutritious Sandwich

The history of the nutritious sandwich is quite fascinating. It first appeared in Keelung in the 1950s, when many American soldiers were stationed near Keelung Port. At the time, the government was promoting U.S. aid flour, branding wheat-based foods as more “nutritious” to encourage consumption. To attract American customers, local vendors deep-fried dough to create a golden, crispy bread roll resembling a hot dog bun. They then filled it with mayonnaise, ham, tomato, cucumber, and braised egg—thus, the nutritious sandwich was born.

Although the combination of deep-fried bread and mayonnaise might not sound like the healthiest choice, don’t underestimate its addictive flavor! The rich and creamy mayo in Jiuru Nutritious Sandwich makes every bite incredibly smooth, while the tangy tomato and crunchy cucumber help ease any guilt. Paired with their fragrant black tea, I couldn’t resist going back for a second sandwich!

Jiuru Nutritious Sandwich

Opening Hours: 1100-2000
No. 133-2, Jijin 1st Rd., Anle Dist., Keelung
◦ Flying Over Taiwan

*All aerial photography operations are conducted within legal airspace. During flight, regulations stipulated by the Civil Aviation Law are strictly followed, maintaining the required distance from buildings and crowds. Zooming and post-production techniques are used to ensure compliance, making the flights fully legal.
*Anyone citing these images and text must provide proper attribution. Unauthorized or illegal use of the images and text is prohibited and may result in legal liability.

◦ Other Areas in Keelung

➤ Xinyi | An Ideal Life Where Mountains Meet the Sea

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