Taiping Mountain City (Zengzailiao)

Taiping Mountain City is located on the west bank of Keelung. Its historical development is deeply intertwined with that of Keelung Harbor, originating from an early fishing village at the foot of the mountain. This area was also known as 'Zengzailiao,' where 'zengzai' means 'fishing net.' In the 1950s, a large number of laborers moved in, constructing small, dense buildings that followed the terrain. Although the mountain city's paths appear winding and complex, simply following the upward slope leads smoothly to the summit of Huzi Mountain and Keelung's famous landmarks. In conjunction with policies for the west bank harbor area, the Keelung City Government initiated community revitalization by introducing "mountain-sea aesthetics" into the settlement. Through collaborative art projects, they gradually improved living spaces in the mountain city, reduced cluttered areas, preserved the original lifestyle, and, in the process, built a platform between residents and the city/port, injecting new vitality. Currently, there are 9 renovated spaces within the mountain city, serving as resting areas or static exhibition venues. During market events, they can also transform into temporary activity spaces. Examples include the "Mountain-Sea Theater," originally enclosed by corrugated iron sheets but now a community activity area, or "Memory Inn" and "Garden View Sky," which were previously collapsed buildings, rebuilt in collaboration with residents and transformed into public open spaces. Taiping Elementary School, situated above the settlement, offers a panoramic view of the entire city and port due to its advantageous position. It has become a key node for understanding Keelung's rich urban spatial structure and historical context. As one of the few open spaces in the mountain city settlement, it aims to leverage its unique geographical conditions and spatial dimensions to become the most prominent highlight on the west bank, opening up Keelung's urban vision and embodying the daily scenery of mountains, sea, city, and hills. With the "Taiping Bluebird" bookstore establishing its operations here, it embodies the spirit of a place for natural symbiosis and understanding knowledge, opening up an experience of Keelung and even the world through reading. The Taiping Mountain City settlement is characterized by residential communities, with winding alleys visible as they climb the terrain, forming the distinct staggered appearance of the settlement. In recent years, various revitalization efforts have attracted artists and local practitioners, allowing visitors to see a unique landscape reminiscent of Jiufen, with buildings scattered unevenly along the slopes. Furthermore, the area is close to the harbor's center, and famous attractions such as Yang Ming Marine Transport, Xiaosan Commercial District, and Ocean Plaza are within walking distance.