The land around the Keelung river was rich in gold and coal, and many areas were mined.

The restoration of the natural river is on the agenda of the Taipei City Government and several citizen organizations.

[3] During the 1880s, the French general Jacques Duchesne fought the Keelung campaign in the river basin, defeating the Chinese.

[4] In the second half of the 20th century, the Keelung river has undergone several manmade changes to reduce flooding and accommodate growth of the Taipei.

These include straightening of the river's path near the districts of Nangang, Neihu and Shilin.