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New Taipei City Travel

Visiting Qitang Old Street

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Visiting Qitang Old Street
Category :
Hiking Trails & Nostalgic tour of the old street & Secret attractions
Travel days :
1 day
適合對象 :
Public & Backpackers

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      Introduction

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      In 1889, Taiwan's first railway was under construction at full speed between Keelung and Taipei. Railway construction workers discovered glittering gold dust in the river in today's Qidu area of Keelung. Those who are seeking wealth traced the river upstream, and eventually found the outcrop of gold vein in Xiaojingua and Dajingua, which kickstarted the gold mining era of Northern Taiwan. The previously quiet Jinguashi and Jiufen therefore entered their golden years. Until 1987, Taiwan Metal Mining Corporation closed the mining business and drew an end to Jinguashi's hundred-year mining history.

      Different from the strong commercial vibes of Jiufen, after the mining activities ended, Jinguashi became an isolated and quiet little mountain town. The buildings scattered among the emerald hills, the huge Guangong statue guarding the area, and the occasionally seen hikers in the alleys represent the present life of Jinguashi.
      金瓜石

      "Let us never forget." During World War II, Jinguashi was once used as a Japanese war prisoner camp. The locals called it "Dubiziliao," which meant the place where foreign prisoners were held. These prisoners of war in Southeast Asia were from Britain, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the Netherlands. During their imprisonment, they mined copper here under poor living conditions. Most of them did not survive the war and died in Jinguashi. In 1997, Taiwan POW Memorial and Peace Park opened to commemorate the war. "Freedom is not free" reminds the world that peace and prosperity are not easy to come by.
      國際終戰和平紀念園區

      Qitang Old Street is an important street of Jinguashi. The old street built along the mountain is the main living circle of the miners in the early years. In its most prosperous period, 80,000 gold diggers gathered here! In addition to restaurants and grocery stores, there were entertainment venues such as jewelry shops, pool halls, and bars! During the Japanese Rule period, it was known as the "Jinguashi Ginza." After the gold mining era ended, the number of residents in Jinguashi plummeted to less than 2,000. Today, the once-bustling Qitang Old Street retains a strong nostalgic atmosphere. The renovated rainbow stairs have become a topic in social media, drawing the world's attention to this mining town in the mountains again.
      祈堂老街
      祈堂老街

      Follow the rainbow stairs up to Jinguashi Quanji Temple, also known as Qitang (Qi Hall). The temple has been built for more than 120 years. It is the belief center of Jinguashi, dedicated to worshiping the Holy Emperor Lord Guan. The most treasured object at Quanji Temple is the largest Guan Gong statue in Taiwan that is made of pure copper and 10.6 meters in height. This statue of Guan Gong reading Chunqiu (the Spring and Autumn Annals) and standing majestically at the high point of Jinguashi against the mountains and facing the sea is the most visible landmark of Jinguashi. It is also the patron saint, blessing generations of Jinguashi people.
      勸濟堂
      勸濟堂

      The 260-meter-high Baoshi Mountain is named after the timed horns here during the Japanese Rule period. From the parking lot of Quanji Temple, you can walk up along the hiking trail and reach the viewing platform in 10 minutes. Facing the sea, Yin-Yang Sea and the North Coast are all within your sight. Looking back at the mountains, you can see Teapot Mountain and Liukeng Slope Cableway right in front of your eyes, surrounded by greenery and between mountains and the sea.
      報時山

      Teapot Mountain is the backbone of the Jinguashi area, with an elevation of 602 meters. When viewed from the Jinguashi side, the ore rock at the top of the mountain looks like a teapot without a handle, earning it the cute and memorable name of "earless teapot." Teapot Mountain Trail is the most popular hiking trail in Jinguashi. It takes about 30-50 minutes to reach the top of the mountain from the parking lot of Quanji Temple. It is the most beautiful view in Ruifang. With Keelung Mountain right in front of your eyes, the little town of Jinguashi, the winding roads under your feet, and the boundless blue sky and sea, this spectacular scenery can heal you from your stressful daily life.
      無耳茶壺山

      "Asia's No. 1 precious metal mine" was the prestige Jinguashi enjoyed in the past. The settlements formed around gold and copper mines in the old days carried the dreams of countless gold diggers. After the demise of the mining industry, what remained unchanged is the beautiful scenery of mountains and seas. They remain the spiritual home of hikers and Jinguashi people.
      無耳茶壺山

       
      Next
      Following the launch of Ankeng Light Rail: A new travel tip that connects Ankeng and Xindian
      The Ankeng Light Rail traveling between the riverside and the mountain town can be connected to the Xindian River Cycling Route and Bitan Scenic Area. Explore both banks of the Xindian River, visit the springtime-exclusive fireflies of Hemeishan (Hemei Mountain), and enjoy the Bitan Water Show during an in-depth journey. Make the most of various transportation options such as the Ankeng Light Rail, the public bicycle system (PBS), and man-powered ferries to explore both sides of the Xindian River!Starting from Shisizhang Station, this is the intersection of the Ankeng Light Rail and the MRT Circular Line. The Ankeng Light Rail has 9 light rail stations, and the entire system is located in Xindian District. The Ankeng Light Rail has collaborated with several artists to create various public artworks at light rail stations to showcase the abundant mountain and forest ecology of the Ankeng area.Walking on the connecting pathway of Shisizhang Station, you can see numerous butterflies dancing along the corridor. By scanning the QR code with your mobile phone, you can delve into a deeper understanding of common butterflies in Taiwan.The platform space of the light rail Shisizhang Station is adorned with the public art “The Fireflies’ Way Home”, which is composed of thousands of micro power generators emitting dot-like blue and green lights to simulate flying fireflies, guiding people into the mountainous wilderness of Ankeng area.Step into the gleaming golden-painted light rail train and enjoy the scenery through panoramic windows. Disembark at K07 Sunshine Sports Park Station, hop on a public bicycle to reach the riverside of the Xindian River, where you'll find the expansive 20-hectare Sunshine Sports Park.The Park features a roller-skating track, a 400-meter running track, a beach volleyball court, a soccer field, and an inclusive, all-age, and land-water-air versatile children's playground, making it the top leisure choice on the left bank of the Xindian River.The Yangguang Bridge (literally refers to the Sunshine Bridge) of Xidian River, which is located behind the Sports Park, features a bridge deck supported by steel cables resembling musical strings and five graceful arches. Its elegant, curved structure makes the Yangguang Bridge one of the most beautiful bridges in the Xidian River Watershed.As a connecting bridge exclusively for pedestrians and bicycles, Yangguang Bridge connects both banks of the Xindian River. Cyclists can lead their bikes across Yangguang Bridge and access the cycling route on the right bank of the Xindian River.The Xindian River Cycling Route is one of the top six riverside cycling routes in New Taipei City. Riding upstream towards Bitan, you will enjoy lush greenery along the way, making for a very pleasant journey.On clear days, you can even see the layered mountain ranges of Xindian and Wulai. After traveling approximately 4 kilometers, you will arrive at the Xidian Ferry Terminal located on the south bank of Bitan.The exclusive provider of man-powered ferries in Taiwan: Xidian Ferry Terminal. Man-powered ferries are a well-kept secret of unique transportation in Bitan. In the past, they were the primary mode of travel between Xindian Shopping Street and destinations like Wantan, Zhitan, and Tutan!The ferry terminal began operating as early as 1881. During its heyday, there were nine ferry terminals along the middle stream of the Xindian River. Crossing Bitan on a ferry allows you to not only appreciate the serenity and history, but also savor the joy of traveling by water along the riverbank.By taking a man-powered ferry to the west bank of Bitan, you can access the ecologically rich Hemeishan Trail. The Hemeishan Trail is divided into the waterside Green Trail and the mountainous Blue Trail, both of which feature stone steps or wooden boardwalks throughout.After reaching the 153-meter-high summit of Hemeishan, you can enjoy panoramic views of Bitan's waterfront and suspension bridge, with Nanganbshan (Nangang Mountain) and Taipei 101 clearly visible in the distance. When you turn around, you'll spot Qingtan on Xidian Beiyi Road and Xinwu Road. If you wait until after sunset, you can also experience the enchanting sight of fireflies twinkling in the forest.👉It is recommended to use mosquito repellent as mosquitoes are more active in the forest in the evening.The Hemeishan Trail features rich biodiversity, with hundreds of species of flora and fauna living in its forest, creating a natural ecological paradise. The most famous among them are the fireflies. During the firefly breeding season from April to May, countless glowing dots dance in the forest after dark, creating a galaxy-like scenery. This spectacle attracts many urban residents away from city lights to enjoy the beauty of twinkling fireflies.👉The best time to observe fireflies is from sunset to 8 PM. Remember to turn off flashlights to avoid disturbing their reproduction.Leaving the company of fireflies on Hemeishan Trail, you will find yourself on the north bank, where the Bitan Suspension Bridge stands. Built during the Japanese colonial period, the Bitan Suspension Bridge is the most iconic landmark in Xindian. The projection mapping light show of the Bitan Suspension Bridge at night is a beautiful memory of several generations of Xidian residents. Its splendid lights reflected on the river is the classic nighttime scenery of Bitan.碧潭上則有精彩萬分的水舞秀,「2023碧潭水舞」於3月31日盛大登場,一路展演至5月28日止,以雷射作為畫筆、以和美山壁作為畫布,在和美山上勾勒出各種圖案,讓和美山山舞與新店溪水舞互動起舞,使碧潭風景區越夜越美麗。👉碧潭水舞於每晚6點30至8點30分,每半小時演出1次,並在晚上8點45分進行最後一場表演,每晚共6場,將有2首各4分半鐘的精彩曲目交錯演出
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