Keelung is full of colour, texture and character. Beyond its panoramic viewpoints, the city offers vibrant waterfront scenes, temples filled with detail and lively night markets. If you enjoy street photography or capturing atmosphere, these are the best photo spots in Keelung.
100-Year Bomb Shelter
The Keelung 100-Year Bomb Shelter offers a completely different kind of photo opportunity compared to the city’s coastal views. Tucked into the hillside, this historic tunnel dates back to the Japanese colonial era and provides a moody, atmospheric setting for photography. The rough stone walls, arched ceilings and narrow passageways create strong lines and natural framing, particularly if you enjoy low-light or textured shots. It feels quiet and slightly eerie inside, which adds depth and contrast to a Keelung photo collection otherwise filled with bright harbours and colourful streets.
Check out my Google maps review for the 100-Year Bomb Shelter for more photos.
Zhengbin Fishing Port Rainbow Houses
Zhengbin Fishing Port is one of the most recognisable photo locations in Keelung. A row of brightly coloured houses lines the waterfront, creating reflections in calm morning water. Early morning is the best time to visit if you want fewer people and softer light. The combination of fishing boats, pastel buildings and harbour life makes this a classic Keelung image. The Zhengbin Fishing Port Rainbow Houses are like Taiwans version of Murano and Burano (Venice).
Keelung Night Market
Keelung Night Market is perfect for capturing energy and movement. Bright signs, steam rising from food stalls and tightly packed crowds create a lively scene after dark. This is an ideal place to photograph street food, candid portraits and neon lighting. Evening is the only time to experience it properly, so plan to visit after sunset. On the weekends, the yellow lanterns that line the night food market are actually lit up and it is the only time you can capture the perfectly yellow and glowing lanterns.
Find more photos of the Keelung Night Market on my Google maps review.
Heping Island Rock Formations
Although often considered a scenic viewpoint, Heping Island is also a brilliant location for creative photography. The natural rock shapes, tidal pools and textured surfaces allow for abstract shots as well as wider landscapes. Visiting at golden hour adds warmth to the stone and softens the light.
Yi Er Lu Old Street
Yi Er Lu Old Street offers a more traditional and slightly nostalgic side of Keelung, making it a great spot for atmospheric street photography. The street is lined with older shopfronts, local eateries and small businesses that feel far less polished than the main tourist areas. Faded signage, tiled façades and scooters parked along the pavements add character and texture to your shots. It is a good place to capture everyday life, especially in the morning when locals are shopping and the light is softer. If you enjoy photographing authentic neighbourhood scenes rather than staged backdrops, Yi Er Lu Old Street provides a quieter but visually interesting setting.
Find more photos of Yi Er Lu Old Street on my Google maps review.
Bisha Fishing Port Details
Beyond the wide harbour views, Bisha Fishing Port offers smaller details worth photographing. Fishing nets, boats, ropes and seafood stalls create authentic coastal scenes. These elements work well for storytelling images that show Keelung’s working port culture.
Arch of Zhongzheng Park
The Arch of Zhongzheng Park is one of Keelung’s most recognisable landmarks and makes a striking photographic focal point. Standing at the entrance to the hillside park, the traditional Chinese-style arch frames the city below and immediately signals that you are heading somewhere elevated. Its bold colours and layered roof design contrast beautifully against blue skies or misty weather, both of which Keelung is known for. From this spot, you can also begin to capture glimpses of the harbour and rooftops beyond, making it a strong composition point before continuing up to the main viewpoints within the park.
Maritime Plaza
Maritime Plaza sits right by Keelung Harbour and offers a wide, open space that works beautifully for waterfront photography. With cruise ships docking nearby, fishing boats moving through the port and the hills rising behind the city, it is a brilliant location for layered harbour shots.
The large open square also has every letter of Keelung lining the plaza as seating areas. At Christmas, you’ll also find Christmas decorations and a huge Christmas tree to pose with.
You can find more photos of Keelung Maritime Plaza on my review for Google maps.
Keelung sign at EAST COAST by BREEZE
The Keelung sign on top of EAST COAST by BREEZE has quickly become one of the city’s most modern photo spots. Positioned looking over the harbour, the large letters overlook the port, cruise terminal and surrounding hills. It gives you a clean, contemporary framing of Keelung. There is also a sign for the name of the mall “ESQUARE” which is just another fun photo spot on top of this mall.
It is an easy-access photo spot, with elevators taking you up 3 of the 4 floors of the mall. And as you can see from the photos above, there are a few different spots you can grab photos at on the very top floor of this mall.
The painted all at Renai Indoor Children’s Park
Inside the building that hosts Renai Indoor Children’s Park, the painted wall provides a bright and cheerful photo backdrop within a fully covered space. Located inside the building itself, the mural features bold colours and playful designs that stand out against the indoor setting.
Because it is sheltered, the lighting is more controlled and consistent than outdoor murals, making it easier to capture clear, vibrant images without worrying about harsh sunlight or weather changes. It is a great spot for relaxed family photos, especially on rainy days when Keelung’s weather makes outdoor photography more difficult.
Keelung Zodiac Bridge & river
Keelung Zodiac Bridge and the surrounding waterside area offer a calm and reflective setting right in the heart of the city. The curved pedestrian bridge, decorated with zodiac-themed details, creates pleasing lines that work well in wide compositions.
We picked up lunch nearby and had it as a picnic by the river because the path is also lined with little benches. It was such a nice spot to eat lunch.
Totoro Mural
The Totoro wall mural is one of Keelung’s most charming hidden photo spots. Featuring the beloved character Totoro in a colourful, storybook-style scene, the artwork brings a playful and nostalgic feel to the surrounding street. This is a must-see for any Studio Ghibli fans.
Keelung rewards photographers who are willing to wander. From colourful waterfront houses to neon-lit markets and quiet hillside alleys, the city offers a diverse mix of subjects within a relatively compact area.
Ready to plan your trip to Taiwan? Check out my page dedicated to travelling in Taiwan with many more guides for Keelung and Taipei.
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