Visit The Colorful Zhengbin Fishing Harbor : Things to do in Keelung #3

When I think of iconic Keelung places, the one that immediately springs to mind is the Zhengbin Fishing Harbor. In fact, if you search “Keelung” in instagram, this is one of the spots you’ll see most of. Built during Japanese colonial rule in 1934, it was once Taiwan’s biggest fishing port. It has, since, become a much more sleepy part of town.

*COVID-19* note: please be aware that during Taiwan’s Level 3 alert, business hours listed in this post may vary – please double check to make sure that businesses are open and using normal hours.

Now known for it’s distinctive row of brightly colored buildings, the Zhengbin Fishing Harbor draws many a photography enthusiast and sightseer, even on the most humble of weekdays. While many see the Zhengbin Fishing Harbor as a mere photo opportunity, I wanted to take a closer look and show you the insider charms of an often-overlooked neighborhood.

Make a Day of It

While in and of itself the harbor might not warrant an out-of-your-way-visit, it’s the perfect location to build a day trip itinerary around. The Zhengbin Fishing Harbor sits but a short walk from several other places I would encourage you to check out. Among them, the ethnographic museum Keelung City Indigenous Cultural Hall, devoted to Taiwan’s aboriginal tribes. A better known museum, but a little further away (about an 8 minute drive) is Keelung’s National Museum of Marine Science and Technology.

Heping Island

The Harbor also just so happens to be on the way to Heping Island, where my favorite place in all of Keelung is: Heping Island Park. As well as having amazing coastal views, it’s a really relaxing place to get away from the rush of the city, take a scenic walk and, best yet: go for a swim! They have crystal clear blue ocean pools where you can swim with the fish!

Heping Island has plenty of other sites to offer as well. You can stop at the Agenna Shipyard, an abandoned relic from Taiwan’s colonial past, the historic Hepingdao Fort, and Tianhou Temple (the first in northern Taiwan dedicated to Mazu, goddess of the sea. It is thought to be over 300 years old).

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Once you’ve strolled around and taken in the sights, sit a while and sate your appetite at one of the many cafés and restaurants at Zhengbin Fishing Harbor. There are plenty of harbor-side spots where you can sit back and continue to bask in the views. Here are a few I find particularly irresistible:

Neighborhood Cafés

Neighborhood Restaurants

If You’re Looking for a Place to Stay

I hope you get to enjoy exploring the wonderful Keelung, and particularly this small and delightful corner of it. Let me know what you think in the comments below. As always, thanks for reading ☺️

Check out more things to do in Keelung!