Gaidankeng Ruins Introduction
The Shulin area was once a major producer of coal, and today it still preserves many remnants of mining sites. The Gaidankeng Coal Mine, which has a history of over a century, was the largest in terms of production among all the mines in the Shanqiaojiao area. After the Japanese colonial period began, they recognized the rich mineral resources and established the current ShanJia Station as a dedicated coal transportation station, which remained operational until the mine was closed in 1959. After the closure of the century-old Gaidankeng Mine, it has been revitalized through restoration efforts by local enthusiasts. At its peak, the production of Gaidankeng Coal Mine was the highest among all the mines in Shanqiaojiao, and during the Japanese occupation, the establishment of the Shanqiao Station was a direct result of their interest in the coal resources of Gaidankeng. At its height, the number of workers in Gaidankeng exceeded a thousand.