Keelung coastal area earns national scenic status

2015/06/17

A 730-hectare coastal zone in Keelung was incorporated June 15 into the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area, furthering boosting the tourism appeal of the northern Taiwan port city.

Comprising such popular attractions as Heping Island, Lovers Lake and Waimushan Beach, the zone is considered one of the most beautiful in northern Taiwan. It will add an extra sightseeing dimension to NCGNSA and its array of world-class beaches, hiking trails, coral reef trenches and attractions like iconic Queen’s Head Rock in Yehliu Geopark.

Tourism Bureau Director-General David Hsieh said inauguration of the zone comes at a time when the central government is spending NT$40 million (US$1.3 million) per year on improving Keelung’s travel infrastructure.

“Amenities in the scenic area will be upgraded and transportation links bolstered among major sites of interest dotting the coastline between Keelung and New Taipei City’s Tamsui.”

According to the local government, a slew of new constructions are underway in support of the bureau’s investment. These include Asia’s largest aquarium at National Museum of Marine Science and Technology and a large-scale refurbishment of the east side of the port to accommodate exhibition centers, hotels, marinas and recreational facilities.

Hsieh said these developments capitalize on Keelung’s growing reputation as a leading regional cruise line destination. “With Asian passenger numbers growing at 20 percent annually, it makes perfect sense to further tap the city’s rich cultural and natural assets.”

Ministry of Transportation and Communications statistics reveal that Keelung is Taiwan’s busiest cruise port. It welcomed 439,893 passengers in 2014, up 78.1 percent year on year, and is expected to top half a million in 2015.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=231603&ctNode=413)