Ruifang Scenic Area Introduction
Ruifang District is located in the northern part of New Taipei City and is a coastal scenic area. Historically, mining was the most important industry in Ruifang, including the gold mines in Jiufen and Jinguashi, and the coal mines in Houtong. After mining resources were depleted, the area began to decline, but later, with films and advertisements being shot at these locations, the traditional landscape of the area, the tranquility of the mountains and forests, and the beautiful sea view once again attracted thousands of tourists, reviving the bustling atmosphere of the area. Golden Mountain City - Jinguashi is named after its gold mines. The shape of the exposed mountain resembles a large pumpkin, leading to the name Jinguashi. Due to its unique geological ore deposits and mining cultural landscape, along with buildings from the gold mining era, abandoned mines, tunnels, tools, and monuments, Jinguashi records the mining economic activities and colonial history of East Asia in the first half of the 20th century, as well as many culturally significant landscapes worth preserving in the area. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea on one side, Jinguashi boasts rich mineral resources, and the region is part of the Keelung volcanic group. The volcanic group is bordered by the Pacific coast to the east and north, and connects to the Datun volcano group to the northwest and the Wufenshan and Yingzishan groups to the south, featuring a landscape characterized by the overlap of mountains and sea. Nostalgic Old Street - Jiufen Old Street was once prosperous due to gold mining and is known as "Little Shanghai" and "Little Hong Kong." It is said that when the land route was not open yet, all supplies depended on maritime routes. Because there were only nine households in the village, they required "nine portions" when purchasing goods, hence the name Jiufen. Jiufen declined with the waning of mining but regained international attention after the movie "A City of Sadness" won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1989. The once-bustling old street, abandoned mines, unique mining landscapes, and gold-rush history attract artists and tourists who come to appreciate the rich culture of this city of sadness. "Spring clouds, summer seas, autumn grains, and winter fog" best describe the seasonal charm of Jiufen, where visitors can enjoy different natural landscapes at any time of the year. Hometown of Black Gold - Houtong features cliffs around 20 meters high on both sides of the Keelung River, making for a spectacular terrain. The name originates from a cave where monkeys lived above the cliffs, originally called "Monkey Cave," which later became "Houtong" as the local coal industry thrived; in mining, having water in the mines is particularly undesirable, leading to the name change. Houtong was originally a town that flourished because of coal mining but gradually became lonely and desolate as the mining industry declined, retaining the beauty shaped by the passage of time. To showcase Houtong's historical prosperity due to coal mining, a Houtong Coal Mine Park has been established, allowing visitors to experience the mining life of the past. Ruifang Mining Coal Factory and Ruifang Coal Transport Bridge are located by Houtong Train Station along the Keelung River. This black building is operated by mining tycoon Li Jianxing from Ruifang District and, at its peak, produced about one-seventh of Taiwan's total coal output, ranking as the leading mining company at that time. The Ruifang Arch Bridge spans the Keelung River, connecting the Fuxing Pit and Ruifang Coal Mine. The elegant shape of the arch bridge, seen from Jieshou Bridge with its reflection in the river, has become a landmark of the Houtong area.
