Keelung, Taiwan’s northern port city, has a long history of connecting Taiwan to the rest of the world. The bright-orange Keelung Tower, completed in 2024, drew inspiration from the cargo ship cranes in the city’s bustling port.
The tower is a striking addition to the city’s skyline and offers panoramic views. From left to right, visitors can see the city center (where the famous night market is located), the rolling Westside hills, one marked by the large Keelung sign, and of course the busy harbor where the cranes are in motion. The Keelung Islet can be seen in the distance too. And cruise ships, a growing part of Keelung’s tourism, are easily spotted when docked.
Beneath the observation deck, a bookstore invites visitors to relax in its thoughtfully designed spaces while enjoying the view. Behind the tower, trails lead into the surrounding hills, where visitors can find the impressive Zhuputan Temple, the central site of the annual Keelung Ghost Festival.
Beyond its function as a viewpoint, the tower also provides a useful link between the city’s waterfront and the nearby hills. Make sure you check the cool tower entrance in an air raid shelter, which is a common feature in Keelung.
