Ruifang -- Savor the Cultural Ingenuity
Jiufen, Jinguashi / Guest Houses
Jinguashi / Shinto Shrine
Shinto Shrines are central places of worship to the Japanese. During the Japanese colonial period, Jinguashi's Shinto Shrine was built to honor there main deities: Okuninushinomikoto(the Great Land Master), Kanayamahiko-no-kami (who rules over gold treasures) and Sarutahiko Okami (a guardian kami). Despite playing an important role in Taiwan's history,much of the shrine was destroyed following retrocession. Today only remnants remain of the walkways, residential area, visiting area and main temple, plus there are two torii gates, a flag platform, four stone lanterns, the temple's foundation and a few columns. Despite these heavy losses, the site retains great historical value because very few shinto shrines still exist in Taiwan.
Jinguashi / Taiwan P.O.W. Memorial Park
This peace park was a POW camp the Japanese used during World War II to house prisoners from around the world. More than a thousand soldiers were held against their will and forced to do difficult jobs like mining, Unsafe working conditions along with poor medical facilities and maladjustment caused many of these soldiers to die. To remember their struggles, a memorial plaque was erected in the park in 1997 and steps were taken to preserve the few prisoner camps that remain. For visitors to gain a better understanding of the sorrow of the era, there are historical explanations. Also a ceremony in honor of the soldiers who suffered is held each November, and a stone plaque that represents the meaning of democracy in Taiwan is on display. It shows that principles such as peace and freedom should not be take for granted.
Houtong / Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park
The Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park, located on the site of a former coal preparation plant, preserves the lifestyle, history and culture of an old coal mining village. Before entering the park, look over from Houtong Station to see an abandoned coal processing plant that still has the name of a former mining corporation written on the side. The building offers a glimpse at machinery used on old production lines for selection and transport of coal. old mountain railway for transporting coal. This Japanese-era line has been converted into a bicycle path where cyclists derive great joy from riding through this simple, ancient mountain setting.
Jiufen, Jinguashi / Guest Houses
Along Shanjian Road, between Shuinandong, Jinguashi and Jiufen, several guest houses are tucked away in mountains. Some are Japanese style, some are ancient and other have an asphalt roof to protect against the rain. When walking down a small alley or along one of the areas many small bridges, a guest house often pops into sight. Depending on their location, they can give an excellent view of the nearby gold coast or hide behind the mist of the mountains. Each has a different theme and design while all feature a friendly owner. Whether it is the delight of homemade food or the warmth of a private home, the guest houses show the charm of mountain villages.
Source of Article: Tourism and Travel Departement, New Taipei City Government.
City | New Taipei City |
Contact Information | Ruifang Visitor Information CenterTell: 02-2497-3813 Jiufen Visitor CenterTel: 02-2406-3270 Qingbian Road Visitor CenterTel: 02-2497-3949 Shuinandong Visitor CenterTel: 02-2496-1588 Houtong Visitor CenterTel: 02-2497-4143 |
Location | New Taipei City |
Web Address | http://tour.ntpc.gov.tw/ |
Transportation | By TrainTake the North-link Line to Ruifang or Houtong station By Bus1.Golden Fulong Route: Ruifang→Jinfen→Gold Museum→Shuinandong→Bitou→Longdong Bay Ocean Park→Longdong Four Seasons Bay→Aodi→Fulong Visitor Center 2.Jinshui Romantic Shuttle 891(also known as the Goldwater Romantic Shuttle 891): Gold Museum→Cyuan-Ji Temple→Gold Waterfall→Changren Community→Shuinandong Parking Lot→Shuinandong Visitor Center By Car1.National Freeway No.1→Provincial Highway 62→Ruifang District 2.North Coast Expressway→Shuinandong→Shuinandong Smelter→Jinguashi,Jinfen |
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