The Houtong Visitor Center is located near the Golden Letter Tablet Historical Trail, also known as the northern section of the Danlan (Tamsui-Kavalan) Historic Trail. The reconstruction project, which emphasizes sustainable design integrated with the surrounding environment, was completed in June 2022. The partially enclosed rooftop and open corridor facilitate the ingress of natural light and airflow into the central courtyard. The application of a red film system, covering the original building, creates a harmonizing effect with the neighboring old brick houses and the verdant natural setting. Functioning as a defining element, the low-hanging roof demarcates the boundary between the Center's interior and exterior spaces while directing rainwater to the rain garden. This design not only integrates seamlessly with the natural environment but also accentuates ecological circulation, culminating in the establishment of a prominent red landmark amid the lush forest greenery.
Apart from maintaining the Center’s functions of stage station, the visitor center will, after environmental improvements, offer hikers and bikers more fixed points for resting, seeking shade, and replenishing their energy. The display room on the right wing of the building has, through curation, showcased the intertwined culture and history of the hundred-year-old Danlan Historic Trail and the mining industry along the Keelung River over the last century. This allows visitors to delve into the local culture and history in depth.
