Jingtong Mining Life Museum Introduction
Pingxi District thrived due to coal mining but fell into decline when coal extraction ceased. The Jing Tong Mining Life Museum, which was remodeled from the former Taiwan Railways employee dormitory, showcases the development of coal mining in Jing Tong. Today, all the mining sites in the district have been closed, leaving behind significant industrial heritage that has become a unique local resource, such as the Jing Tong Station, coal washing plants, and the Pingxi Hostel. These sites were included in the Ministry of Culture's 2001 list of Taiwan's Historical 100 Sites. By integrating tourism resources, the museum allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the local history and culture. Additionally, local residents have long cherished their hometown and are committed to researching the coal industry and the Pingxi railway. There are organizations such as the Pingxi District Tour Guide Association and the Pingxi Charm Business Circle Association, which have organized events like railway culture workshops, mining knowledge sessions, and geological landscape studies, actively promoting local culture. The establishment of the Jing Tong Mining Life Museum provides a venue to archive and showcase the achievements of these local teams over the years. In the future, it will further expand by integrating folk traditions like sky lanterns, ecological landscapes in the upper Keelung River, unique geological formations such as waterfalls and potholes, as well as the traditional dye industry, highlighting local characteristics. The convenient transportation via the Pingxi Branch Line Railway will drive the development of local culture and the tourism industry.
