Taiwan Climbing Journey:
Trad & Multi-Pitch in Stunning Longdong

Hello friends, climbers, and curious wanderers. Welcome back to ByrdieOnTheRocks.

If you are a returning reader, you already know I usually begin with a short introduction before the main story. If you have read this kind of opener before, feel free to jump straight into the climbing 👇 If you’re new here—hi!

If this is your first time here, I’m glad you stopped by. This blog is where I share travel stories, climbing adventures, and personal reflections. I am not a professional climber and I do not write step-by-step technical guides. What I do share is the real experience of what it feels like to discover the world as a traveler who happens to love climbing, learning, and even building websites. It is a mix of chalk, code, and honesty.

I sometimes add small tips that might help, but I always encourage you to do your own research, check the latest conditions, talk with certified guides, and put safety first whenever you plan a climbing trip.

This post is Part Two of my Taiwan climbing series. In Part 1, I shared my first few days in Taipei where I explored the city, climbed at a gym, and hiked Elephant Mountain for a stunning view of Taipei 101. If you missed it, you can catch up by reading that post here.

Now we move to the coast. This part of the trip was about climbing in Longdong, which turned out to be the highlight of my time in Taiwan, and staying in Keelung, a city that quickly became one of my unexpected favorites.

Climbing at Longdong means exploring rugged sea cliffs, towering rock walls, and the constant rhythm of waves crashing below. The water sparkled as I tied in at the base of the routes, and from the very first climb, I knew this was a place I would never forget. Longdong offers a wide variety of routes, from beginner to advanced grades, including many trad routes. Weekends can get busy, so I recommend visiting on a weekday to fully experience Longdong at its best. For more detailed route information, check out the Crag website.

This trip was made possible thanks to QX, an AMGA Certified Rock Guide, Assistant Alpine Guide, and NZSIA Ski Instructor, who I mentioned in my last post. QX made the whole experience smooth, safe, and incredibly enjoyable. He set routes for me, introduced me to trad climbing, and guided me through my very first multi-pitch climb. If you're planning a trip to Longdong, I highly recommend reaching out to him. You can visit his official website here.

The two days I spent here opened up a new side of climbing for me. Trad was completely new, and trying it above the ocean was equal parts intimidating and exciting. Multi-pitch pushed me even further. There were sections where the exposure made me feel like I was floating in the air. Carrying food, water, and gear made it clear how different long routes are compared to the shorter climbs I was used to. I felt nervous at times, but reaching the top and hiking down with the cool ocean wind on my face was something I will never forget.

Longdong is alive with nature. During one climb we spotted a family of eagles nesting near the cliffs. People even hike out to the area just to watch them. It was another reminder of how connected Taiwan is to its outdoors. The fresh ocean breeze and the sound of waves made the climbs feel even more special and peaceful.

Since Longdong is about 60 km from Taipei, I based myself in Keelung. At first it was just for convenience, but the city quickly became a highlight of its own.

Keelung is a port city that feels both lively and calm. I stayed at a hotel near the harbor and each evening I went for a run or walk by the water. The air smelled of salt, seagulls circled above, and the sky shifted from orange to deep blue as the city lights reflected on the waves. One evening I sat by the harbor for almost two hours without noticing how quickly time had passed. That is when I realized Keelung was more than just a base. It was a city that had grown on me in ways I did not expect.

The drive from Keelung to Longdong was breathtaking. Morning sunrise over the ocean on the way to climb and evening sunset on the way back gave me two moments of beauty every day. It made the commute feel like part of the adventure.

If you love seafood, Keelung is paradise.

The highlight was the Keelung Miaokou Night Market, a collection of narrow streets packed with foodstalls. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy. You can find everything from crab soup to oyster omelettes, grilled squid, and countless local snacks. It can be crowded, but the buzz of the market makes it worth it. If you want the iconic photo with glowing yellow lanterns, visit on a Friday or Saturday night.

For me, exploring the market after long climbing days was the perfect way to wind down. Fresh seafood, bustling streets, and a mix of locals and travelers made it an experience as memorable as the climbs themselves.

This part of my Taiwan journey gave me everything I could ask for. Longdong pushed me with new climbing styles and ocean views that will stay in my memory forever. Keelung gave me a place to rest, eat, and reflect.

Together they balanced each other perfectly. Climbing gave me challenge and movement. The city reminded me to slow down and take it all in. These two days were unforgettable and one of the main reasons Taiwan will always hold a special place in my climbing story.