Ruifang Scenic Area Introduction
Ruifang District is located in the northern part of New Taipei City and is a coastal scenic area. In the early days, mining was the most important industry in Ruifang, including gold mining in Jiufen and Jinguashi, as well as coal mining in Houtong. After the mining resources were exhausted, the area began to decline; however, it regained popularity when films and advertisements started filming at these locations, attracting thousands of visitors who appreciated the traditional charm of the area, the tranquility of the mountains and forests, and the beautiful ocean views. The Golden Mountain Town - Jinguashi is named after the gold mines, with its mountain resembling a large pumpkin, hence the name "Jinguashi." Due to its unique geological mineral deposits and mining cultural landscape, along with structures from the gold mining era, abandoned mines, tunnels, tools, and monuments, it 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. Jinguashi is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the sea, rich in mineral resources. This area is part of the Keelung Volcano Group, bordering the Pacific Ocean to the east and north, connecting to the Datun Volcano Group to the northwest, and joining the Wufen Mountain and Yingzishan groups to the south, showcasing a region where mountains meet the sea, characterized by its natural topography. Nostalgic Old Street - Jiufen Old Street prospered during the gold mining era and is known as "Little Shanghai" and "Little Hong Kong." It is said that before the land route was opened, all supplies relied on maritime transport. Since there were only nine households in the village, they requested to prepare "nine portions" for external purchases, which led to the naming. Jiufen once declined with the mining industry but regained attention after the film "A City of Sadness" won the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival in 1989. The formerly prosperous old street, abandoned mines, unique mining district scenery, and gold rush history attract artists and tourists who delve into this poignant city's rich ambiance. "Spring clouds, summer sea, autumn grains, winter mist" perfectly depict Jiufen's seasonal charm, allowing visitors to appreciate different seasonal and temporal natural sceneries. Hometown of Black Gold - Houtong features cliffs approximately 20 meters high on both sides of the Keelung River, creating a spectacular landscape. The name derives from a cave where monkeys once inhabited, originally called "Monkey Cave," but it was changed to "Houtong" when the local coal mining industry began, as water was highly undesirable in mines. Houtong originally flourished as a coal town, but as the mining industry waned, it gradually became quiet and desolate, showcasing the beauty of time's erosion. To display Houtong's historical prosperity due to coal mining, Houtong Coal Mine Museum was established for visitors to experience the mining lifestyle of the past. The Ruifang Coal Mining Company and Ruifang Coal Transport Bridge are located near Houtong Train Station along the Keelung River, featuring a black building operated by mining magnate Li Jianxing from Ruifang District. At its peak, coal production accounted for about one-seventh of Taiwan's total output, ranking as the number one mining company at that time. The Ruifang Arch Bridge spans the Keelung River, connecting Fuxing Mine and Ruifang Coal Mine, creating a striking view when seen from Jieshou Bridge, with its elegant design representing the landscape icon of the Houtong area.
