Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Jīlóng Miàokǒu Yèshì; hours vary) Probably the most famous night market in Taiwan,
Miaokou became known for its great food during the Japanese era, when a group of mer-
chants started selling snacks at the mouth of the Dianji Temple . Nowadays, Miaokou is
considered the best place in Taiwan for street snacks, especially seafood.
'Miaokou' means 'temple entrance' and also 'temple mouth', but the market covers
several streets. To get here from the train station exit, cross the pedestrian walkway and
head straight a few blocks (passing the harbour on the way). When the road narrows, turn
right. The market entrance is obvious just up the road. Stalls on the main street are all
numbered and have signs in English, Japanese and Chinese explaining what's on the
menu.
Ershawan Fort HISTORIC SITE
(Èrshāwān) Also known as Haimen Tianxian, this first-class historical relic was once used
to defend Taiwan during the First Opium War (1839-42). Its imposing main gate and five
cannons, still tucked into their battery emplacements, are a dramatic sight. To get here,
take city bus 101 or 103 to Haimen Tianxian, walk up the stone footpath and take the
second right.
If you have time afterwards, retrace your steps to the bus and continue another 10
minutes to the stop for Heping Island (Hépíng Dǎo), which is connected to the mainland
by a short pedestrian bridge and features beautiful and bizarre limestone rock formations,
as well as some old shrines. In April the green hillsides are splashed with the white of
Formosan lilies.
DON'T MISS
KEELUNG GHOST FESTIVAL
During the seventh lunar month, Keelung is host to Taiwan's most renowned Ghost
Festival (Zhōngyuán Jié) , a fascinating mix of Taoist and Buddhist beliefs and rituals.
The festival lasts the entire month (usually August or September), and each year a
different Keelung clan is chosen to sponsor the events. Highlights include folk-art
performances, the opening of the Gates of Hell and the release of burning water
lanterns.
Keelung's festival began in the mid-19th century as a way to bridge the rift
between feuding groups of Hoklo immigrants. However, the belief in ghost month is
widespread in Chinese culture. According to popular beliefs, during this month
'hungry spirits' (or 'good brethen' as they are also called) roam the earth and must
be appeased and sated with elaborate banquets, festivities and a whole lot of ghost
paper burning (asthmatics should seriously be very careful around this time).
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