Ruifang

A District Built by Gold and Coal

Ruifang District is in the northeast of New Taipei City. On one side it faces the sea and three sides mountains, the latter encroaching on the district to give it a hilly landscape.Keelung River snakes through, nurturing the mountain towns and villages that are different from one to the next due to their earlier isolation. Ruifang used to be a middle point on the road between Taipei and Yilan, and the district's name is thought to come from an old shop that was an important stopping point for traveling businessmen and miners. People would say they were on their way to Ruifang, and soon the shop and the place became synonymous.

Taiwan's early development was mostly fueled by coal, which turned the mining town of Houtong into an overnight sensation. From the Keelung mining company run by the Japanese during the colonial period to the Ruisan company that took the lead after Retrocession, Houtong became Taiwan's largest mining town with the best quality coal. Its standing was made possible by the opening of the Yilan railroad, and soon there was heavy migration inward. The 1960s and 70s were a golden age. Then the mines were exhausted, and development ended almost as abruptly as it began. But the death of the coal industry allowed life to begin elsewhere. Throughout the glory years a unique culture and history developed. These traits, together with the mountain valley scenery, strange rock formations and a new "cat village" reputation let Ruifang change course. It turned into a tourism destination.

Jinguashi and Jiufen

Jinguashi and Jiufen face the sea to the east and are next to the Keelung and Teapot mountains. Entering the meandering mountain roads from Shuinandong, there is the majestic Golden Fall and remains of the Shuinandong Smelter. Soon comes the simple, historical Jinguashi region then the bustling town of Jiufen. The contrast between these areas shows the diversity of Ruifang District. In the past, Jinguashi and Jiufen were important settlements known for their deposits of gold and coal. But as the mining industry declined, these towns were forgotten, until they were abruptly put back on the map with the release of a major film. Tourists began to arrive who had many options: nostalgic streets, beautiful scenery, the century-old Shengping Theater, and Chinese and Japanese-style teahouses. Besides remnants of the coal industry and the natural scenery, there was much culture and local food. Whether visitors come on a one-day visit or stay for longer, they leave deeply satisfied.