aeeble

Ruifang District is located in the north of New Taipei City and is a seaside scenic area. Early mining was the most important industry in Ruifang, including gold mines in Jiufen and Jinguashi, and coal mines in Houdong. After the mineral resources were depleted, the area began to decline. However, after films and advertisements began shooting on location in these areas, the traditional appearance of these small towns, the tranquility of the mountains and forests, and the beautiful sea views once again attracted thousands of tourists, allowing the towns to regain their former bustle and noise. Golden Mountain City - Jinguashi Jinguashi is famous for its gold mines, and the name "Jinguashi" (literally "Golden Melon Rock") comes from the shape of a mountain outcrop that resembles a large melon. The unique geological mineral deposits and mining cultural landscapes, along with the buildings, abandoned mines, tunnels, tools, and monuments from the gold mining era, recorded the East Asian mining economic activities and colonial history of the first half of the 20th century, as well as many local cultural and historical landscapes worth cherishing. Jinguashi is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the sea on one side, with rich mineral resources. The area belongs to the Keelung Volcanic Group, which borders the Pacific coast to the east and north, and connects with the Datan Volcanic Group to the northwest. It is connected to the Wufenshan and Yingzishan groups to the south, forming a region with both mountains and sea. The interlocking of mountains and sea is a characteristic of its natural landscape. Nostalgic Old Street - Jiufen Old Street Jiufen Old Street was once prosperous due to gold mining and was known as "Little Shanghai" or "Little Hong Kong". According to legend, before the land route was opened, all supplies had to be transported by sea. Since there were only nine households in the village, they would request "nine portions" when buying goods, and people began to call it Jiufen. Jiufen declined as mining gradually decreased, but it regained international attention after the film "The Puppetmaster" won the Golden Lion Award at the 1989 Venice Film Festival. The old street, abandoned mines, and unique mining area scenery, along with the history of gold mining, attract artists and tourists to come and experience the profound emotions of this city. "Spring clouds, summer sea, autumn mist, and winter fog" are the best descriptions of Jiufen's seasonal charm. Regardless of when you visit, you can appreciate the natural landscapes of different seasons and times. The Hometown of Black Gold - Houdong On both sides of the Keelung River in Houdong, there are steep valleys about 20 meters high, creating a magnificent landscape. The place got its name from a monkey cave on the cliff above, which was later changed to "Houdong" (literally "monkey cave" or "monkey tunnel") as coal mining developed in the area. People believed that water was a taboo in coal mines, so they changed "dong" (cave) to "tong" (tunnel). Houdong was once a thriving town due to coal mining, but it gradually became quiet and deserted as the mining industry declined. It was left with a sense of vicissitude and beauty etched by time. To showcase Houdong's history of prosperity due to coal mining, the Houdong Coal Mine Museum was established, allowing visitors to experience the mining life of the past. Ruishan Mining and Coal Preparation Plant and Ruishan Coal Bridge Located near the Houdong train station and Keelung River, it is a black building operated by Li Jianxing, a mining magnate from Ruifang District. At its peak, it produced about one-seventh of Taiwan's total coal production, making it the top mining company at the time. The Ruishan Arch Bridge spans the Keelung River, connecting Fuxing Pit and Ruishan Coal Mine. Looking from the Jieshou Bridge, the Ruishan Arch Bridge stands on a stone foundation, and its reflection in the Keelung River creates a beautiful and powerful scene, which is a landmark in the Houdong area.