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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

       
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      Encountering Jimmy – enjoying cherry blossom along the Danhai Light Rail
      In the city, people are rushing around for work every day. The pace of life is so fast that it is impossible to relax. After getting off work, the advertisements on the street and various notifications on the mobile phone are holding our eyeballs hostage. You must feel exhausted from this kind of life. "Sometimes, sometimes" suggests that you should get rid of the stimulus that is imposed on the "window to the soul." Take Danhai Light Rail from Tamsui, ride in the blue train, and feel the blue sky and the sea in the transparent carriage!Stroll through the 4-kilometer-long dreamy cherry blossom tunnel and collect the Jimmy-themed sculptures that are loved by adults and children along the Light Rail. Visit the century-old Sanheyuan, Gongsitian River Cheng's Ancient House. Cycle back to Tamsui Old Street along the Tamsui Golden Coast Cycling Route in the evening, accompanied by the golden sunset. This will be a trip where you can't help but keep pressing the shutter!Sometimes, sometimes: Jimmy's public art along Danhai Light RailDanhai Light Rail is the second light rail system in Taiwan and an important outbound transportation system for Danhai New Town. During the design phase, Danhai Light Rail collaborated with the well-known illustrator/author Jimmy, who, under the theme of "Sometimes, sometimes," created public artworks at eleven MRT stations of the Green Mountain Line. If you observe carefully, the chairs in the waiting area, card sensors, and sculptures in the station all got the hidden ingenuity of Jimmy. The sense of fantasy and healing in Jimmy's illustrations jumped from paper into the reality. Listen carefully - the music that goes on when the Light Rail train enters the station was also specifically chosen to match the atmosphere.The mambo of blossoms: Huwei Cherry Blossom Avenue and Beitouzi Creek Cherry Blossom Trail"The train is arriving at, Danjin Denggong Station." Looking towards the right, the cherry blossom tunnel will be right in front of your eyes! Huwei Cherry Blossom Avenue is named after the ancient name of Tamsui, Huwei. The 4-kilometer-long Huwei Cherry Blossom Avenue is full of Yoshino cherry blossoms and Taiwan cherry blossoms. You can overlook Datun Mountains from here too. It is the longest cherry blossom trail in the world.Beitouzi Creek Cherry Blossom Trail next to Danjin Beixin Station is 3.5 kilometers in length. More than 100 Yoshino cherry trees are planted along the trail. During the blooming season, both sides of the trail are covered by pink cherry blossoms. Many visitors are brought here by the beautiful scenery. It is a tranquil garden in Danhai New Town.The ding-ding-dong commuter train: Gongsitian River Cheng's Ancient House Danhai Light Rail changes from an elevated section to a road-level section after passing Tamsui District Office Station. The ding-ding-dong sounds became a part of the soundscape of this location, warning road users that the Light Rail train is about to pass. Around Binhai Shalun Station, where the line splits into the Green Mountain Line and the Blue Coast Line, there is a hidden century-old ancient house that has witnessed the past of Danhai area.Cheng's Ancient House was built during the Guangxu period of Qing Dynasty. It is the first traditional residential house in Tamsui District to be designated as a historic building. The structure is of a typical Sanheyuan, surrounded by bamboo reed and ditches, showcasing the beauty of Minnan architecture in early Tamsui. The roof ridge is of the "golden mabei" format, and the side wall is made of andesite. There is even an embrasure in the design for resisting thieves! This place was also an ancient battlefield of the Sino-French War in 1884. During the Battle of Huwei, Qing army deployed troops near the ancient house and successfully fended off the attack of the French army.Never-ending wishes: Tamsui Fisherman's WharfFisherman's Wharf Station, the terminus of the Blue Coast Line, is the top spot in northern Taiwan for enjoying the sunset. Lover's Bridge during the magic hour is particularly stunning. You can close your eyes and try using the other senses to feel the moment. The temperature would become more pleasant around this time. Ride a YouBike along the Golden Coast to Tamsui MRT Station. Gaze at Guanyin Mountain on the other side of Tamsui River and Danjiang Bridge that is currently under construction. From here, you can draw the perfect ending to the trip and be on the way home with great satisfaction.
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