New Taipei City Travel

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."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.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.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.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.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."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.

Shiding District is the geographical center of New Taipei City, the main catchment area of Feicui Dam, and an essential path along the southern route of Tamsui Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails. Many approachable trails around Shiding Old Street are suitable for families to wander together. From the Tamsui-Kavalan Suspension Bridge, you can walk along the Waian Historic Trail, Wutuxi Trail, and Sifenzi Historic Trail, bathing in the green mountain trails. Then, go to the bee farm and tea garden on the Beiyi Highway to learn about the ecology of bees, taste tea, and feel the infinite vitality of the real estate industry.The Dipteris Conjugatas standing at the end of the Tamsui Suspension Bridge marks this place as an important scenic spot of the Tamsui Historic Trail. The red bridge of the Tamsui-Kavalan Suspension Bridge spans the Shiding River, and the pavilion and stone slabs simulate the scene of the transport wharf in the past. After crossing the suspension bridge, enter the Waian Historic Trail, go under the tall National Freeway 5 viaduct, and head to Shiding Old Street.The southern route of Tamsui-Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails is known as the "Tea Road." In the mid-19th century, after Taiwan opened its ports, tea became an essential international export commodity for Taiwan. The vast mountainous area between Taipei and Yilan became a significant tea production center, and the settlements in the valleys became trading bases for tea merchants. People transported Baozhong tea from the Shiding and Pinglin areas to Muzha, Jingmei, and Bangka along the southern route of Tamsui-Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails and Jingmei River waterway transportation network. After being processed and packaged in Dadaocheng, the merchants shipped the tea out of Tamsui to the world.The endpoint of the Waian Historic Trail: Shiding Old Street is the earliest developed area in Shiding. It is divided into two streets, east and west, by the Wanshou Bridge, built with stone bridge piers. The century-old tofu shop, the unique hanging-leg building (diaojialou), and the skyless street on the old street are all classic attractions in Shiding. Passing by the Shiding Elementary School, which is more than 120 years old, reflects a flourishing population of Shiding during the coal mining period in the early years.After passing through Shiding Elementary School, connect to the Wutuxi Trail built along the left bank of the Wutuxi. The trail is roughly parallel to Dingge Road, with a total length of about two kilometers and gentle undulations. Bamboo forests lined the path along the way, accompanied by Formosa Acacia, tung flowers, ficus variegata blume, nest ferns, and lagerstroemia subcostata of Shansu and Han. Besides, fishing protection policies allow rivers to retain various fish species, with clear and transparent water quality and a rich and diverse ecosystem.The Sifenzi Historic Trail is a mountain trail connecting Sifenzi and Yueshan Lake. Along the trail, you can see many historical sites, such as a stone bridge, stone houses, a Tudi Gong temple, tea plantations, terraced fields, and bamboo gardens. The picturesque scenery of Shiding has attracted many people who love mountain life to build their homes here. After walking the three major mountain trails in Shiding, arrive at the Mamami Honey, about a 5-minute drive from Shiding Old Street. Under the guidance of the beekeeper, you put on professional bee-proof clothes and enter the home of honey. In the garden where hundreds of bees are flying, observe the ecology of bees up close and deeply understand the importance of bees to the world's ecosystem.The Bei Yi Highway is a 58-kilometer highway connecting Taipei and Yilan. The highway transportation function of the Bei Yi Highway replaced the traditional traffic route – Tamsui- Kavalan Historical and Cultural Trails, and has formed many new settlements. The latest traffic route brought traffic and people and allowed many industries to move to the side of the highway. Wang Lai Tea, which focuses on tea cultivation, is among the best. In the tea house full of unique award plaques, enjoy the excellent tea brewed by the tea garden owner and quietly appreciate the beautiful tea garden scenery.