
Keelung (基隆, pinyin: Jīlóng; originally 雞籠, literally "chicken cage") is Taiwan's seedy northern port city. It has a long, checkered history and was particularly important during the Japanese colonial era. Big attractions include Miaokou Night Market (廟口夜市), many old fortresses and batteries, and picturesque Keelung Islet. It is also a dark paradise for urban explorers, something that will be immediately apparent to anyone who makes a visit.