Heping Island

Heping Island (和平島; Hépíng Dǎo), formerly known as She-liao Island, is a small island at the mouth of Keelung Harbour in northern Taiwan, administratively part of Keelung City. Despite being an "island", it is joined to the mainland by a short bridge, so it functions as an easily reached extension of the city rather than a remote getaway. Its claim to fame is geological: the island's coastline is a remarkable showcase of wind- and wave-eroded sandstone formations, sculpted over millennia into mushroom rocks, honeycomb patterns, and strange pitted shapes.

The island has a deep history. It was the site of a Spanish fort built in 1626, when northern Taiwan briefly fell within Spain's colonial orbit, and traces of that European past remain part of the island's heritage story. Today its main attraction is the Heping Island Park (and Geopark), a managed coastal park on the island's exposed northern shore where boardwalks and trails wind among the eroded rocks, tidal pools, and dramatic sea views.

Heping Island shares Keelung's notoriously wet climate — persistent drizzle and grey skies are common through the autumn and winter monsoon, while summers are hot, humid, and prone to typhoons. Spring and the drier early-summer window generally offer the best conditions. The coastal park is fully exposed to sun and wind, so sun protection and rain gear are both worth carrying.

By Plane

By Train

The island has no station of its own. Take a Taiwan Railway (TRA) train to Keelung Station, then continue by city bus or taxi to the island — board only trains showing Keelung as their final destination, as some northbound services branch off toward the east coast.

By Car / Road

Heping Island is connected to mainland Keelung by the Heping Bridge, so it is easily reached by road. From Keelung Railway Station, take bus 101 and alight at the Heping Island stop, then walk about five minutes. By car or scooter it is a short drive from central Keelung across the bridge. From Taipei, reach Keelung first (about 35–45 minutes by freeway bus or train), then continue to the island.

Heping Island is small and best explored on foot. The headline attraction, the coastal Heping Island Park, is walked entirely along its boardwalks and trails. The island also has a residential and fishing-port area, which is likewise walkable. City bus 101 connects the island to Keelung, and taxis are available; there is no need for local transport within the island itself. EasyCard and iPass contactless cards work on Keelung's buses. Take care on the rocky coastal sections — surfaces can be slippery and uneven, and you should keep well back from the water during high tides and rough seas.

• Heping Island Park / Geopark (和平島公園) — The island's main attraction: a coastal park on the exposed northern shore with boardwalks threading among wind- and wave-eroded sandstone formations, tidal pools, and sea views. There is an entrance fee. > TODO: Current opening hours and ticket price not confirmed.

• Eroded rock formations — The park's sculpted sandstone — mushroom rocks, honeycomb weathering, and pitted "elephant" and other oddly shaped rocks — is the reason to come; it rivals the more famous Yehliu geopark across the bay.

• Tidal pools and a natural seawater pool — Sheltered pools within the park area allow visitors to wade and, where permitted, swim in the sea.

• Spanish-era heritage — The island was the site of a Spanish fort built in 1626; interpretive material in the park covers this European chapter of northern Taiwan's history.

• Coastal viewpoints — Trails climb to lookouts with views over Keelung Harbour, the open sea, and offshore Keelung Islet.

• Walk the geopark boardwalks — Follow the trails among the eroded rocks for the island's signature experience.

• Swim or paddle in the seawater pools — In warmer months, the park's sheltered tidal pools and seawater pool are popular for cooling off (check seasonal opening and safety notices).

• Photograph the rock formations — The bizarre sandstone shapes, especially at sunrise or sunset, are a favourite with photographers.

• Watch the sea and tides — The exposed coastline is dramatic in any weather; wave-watching from a safe distance is part of the appeal.

Heping Island has a working fishing harbour, so fresh seafood is the natural choice. Casual seafood restaurants and eateries cluster near the island's port area, serving fish and shellfish chosen from the day's catch. The park area has basic refreshment options. For a wider range of dining, central Keelung — and especially the famous Miaokou Night Market — is only a short ride away.

The park kiosk and shops near the harbour sell bottled water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. There are no notable bars on the island; for cafés and a wider drink scene, head into Keelung city. Carry water when walking the exposed coastal trails, especially in summer. Tap water in Taiwan is generally treated but is usually boiled or filtered before drinking; bottled water is cheap and widely available.

Most visitors treat Heping Island as a day trip and stay in central Keelung or in Taipei.

• Budget: Hostels and guesthouses in central Keelung, a short ride from the island, typically from around NT$600–1,500 per night. > TODO: Specific named budget properties not confirmed.
• Mid-range: Business and harbour-area hotels in central Keelung generally run roughly NT$1,800–3,500 per night. > TODO: Specific named mid-range hotels not confirmed.
• Upscale / heritage: > TODO: Confirmed upscale or heritage accommodation on or near Heping Island not available; for higher-end stays travellers base in Taipei.

Shopping on Heping Island is minimal. The park has a small shop or kiosk, and the island's fishing-port area has modest stores. For more substantial shopping — snacks, dried seafood, and souvenirs — head into central Keelung, where the streets near the harbour and the Miaokou Night Market offer plenty of choice. Convenience stores cover everyday needs. Prices are generally fixed.

• Keelung city centre — Just across the bridge; harbour, coastal forts, and the famous Miaokou Night Market.
• Badouzi (八斗子) — A short distance east along the coast; a scenic area with the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology.
• Taipei (臺北) — About 35–45 minutes from Keelung; Taiwan's capital.
• Yehliu (野柳) — Roughly 30–40 minutes along the coast; a geopark famous for its mushroom rocks and "Queen's Head".
• Jiufen (九份) — Around 30–40 minutes away; a hillside former gold-mining town with lantern-lit lanes.
• Keelung Islet (基隆嶼) — Offshore from Keelung; seasonal boat trips run to this volcanic islet.