2024-03-22 Keelung, Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei

Detailed description of Taipei and Keelung

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan (pop. 2 500 000), is a vibrant metropolis that blends modern skyscrapers with traditional temples and markets. Taipei is home to a rich culture and history, dating back centuries.

Taipei 101 tower was officially classified as the world's tallest from its opening in 2005. It became the world's first skyscraper to exceed a height of half a kilometer.

The National Palace Museum houses one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts, with over 690,000 pieces in its collection. The museum has one of the world's finest collections of jade carvings, dating from the Neolithic period to the Qing dynasty.

Bangka Longshan Temple is a Chinese folk religious temple dedicated to the Buddhist deity Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), the temple gather diverse religious influences, incorporating halls and altars for other deities like Mazu (protector of seafarers) and Guan Yu (God of War).

Keelung

Keelung (pop. 372 000) is a port city in northern Taiwan that has small temples, a historic fort, local shopping and dining options, and a few hiking trails. While exploring Keelung can make for a relaxed day, the real purpose of Keelung is to serve as a gateway to Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, which is 18 mi/ 30 km inland.

Zhongzheng Park The white statue of Goddess of Mercy is 25-meter-high statue has become one of the characteristics of Keelung. The park overlooks Keelung City and the harbor. On the first level is a historic canon fort. On the second level is a Buddhist library, Martyrs' Shrine and Zhuputan Temple. On the third level visitors can see the entire Keelung and the ocean.

Gangziliao Fort is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the fort's ruins, which include gun emplacements, tunnels, and barracks. The fort also offers stunning views of the Keelung Harbor and the surrounding mountains.

Other ports to be visited

Detailed description of Taipei and Keelung

 

2024-03-26, 04-02 Kochi, Japan

Detailled description of Kochi

Kochi (300 000) was once a center of Japanese samurai culture, and there are many historical sites to explore, such as Kochi Castle and the Katsurahama Beach Park. Kochi Castle, built in 1603, is one of Japan's finest surviving castles. Katsurahama Beach Park is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Kochi is also home to the Kochi Castle is one of only 12 castles in Japan to have survived the fires, wars, and other catastrophes of the post-feudal era, and it is a designated National Treasure.

The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden  was established in 1958 in honor of Tomitaro Makino, a famous Japanese botanist. It houses over 3,000 species of plants.

Detailled description of Kochi

Other ports to be visited in Japan.