Ruifang Scenic Area Introduction
Ruifang District, located in the northern part of New Taipei City, is a coastal scenic area. In the past, mining was the most important industry in Ruifang, including gold mines in Jiufen and Jinguashi, as well as coal mines in Houtong. After the mineral sources were depleted, the area began to decline. However, after movies and advertisements frequently filmed in these locations, the traditional charm of these small districts, the tranquility of the mountains and forests, and the beautiful sea views once again attracted thousands of tourists, bringing the area back to life. Golden Mountain Town - Jinguashi is named after its gold mines, and the mountain's outcrop resembles a large pumpkin, hence the name Jinguashi. Due to its unique geological mineral beds and mining cultural landscape, combined with the buildings, abandoned mines, tunnels, tools, and monuments from the gold mining era, it documents the economic activities and colonial history of East Asia's mining industry in the first half of the 20th century, as well as many cherished cultural landscapes in the area. Jinguashi is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the sea on one side, rich in minerals, and belongs to the Keelung volcanic group. The eastern and northern sides face the Pacific Coast, while the northwest connects to the Datun volcanic group and the south connects to Wufen Mountain and Yingzi Mountain groups, making it a place of mountains and sea, characterized by its layered natural terrain. Nostalgic Old Street - Jiufen Old Street once thrived due to gold mining and is referred to as "Little Shanghai" or "Little Hong Kong." Legend has it that when the land route was not yet opened, all supplies relied on maritime transportation. Since there were only nine households in the village, they requested a preparation of "nine portions" for purchases, which led to the naming of Jiufen. Jiufen declined as mining waned but regained international attention after the film "A City of Sadness" won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1989. The once-flourishing old street, abandoned mines, unique mining scenery, and gold rush history attract artists and tourists who come to savor the rich world in this city of sadness. "Spring clouds, summer sea, autumn crops, winter mist" best describe Jiufen's four seasonal charms; no matter when you visit, you can enjoy the different natural landscapes of each season and varying times. Hometown of Black Gold - Houtong has spectacular landscapes with cliffs about 20 meters high along both sides of the Keelung River. The name derives from an old cave where monkeys once lived above the cliffs, originally called "Monkey Cave." As coal mining began to flourish, the term was changed to "Houtong," as water in the mines was a great concern. Houtong originally prospered because of its coal mines, but as the industry declined, it gradually became lonely and desolate, leaving behind the enduring beauty crafted by time. To showcase Houtong’s glorious history due to coal mining, the Houtong Coal Mine Museum area was established, allowing visitors to experience the past mining life once again. The Ruifang Coal Mining Factory and Ruifang Coal Transport Bridge, located near Houtong Train Station by the Keelung River, is a black building operated by the mining magnate Li Jianxing from Ruifang District. At its peak, the coal production accounted for about one-seventh of all production in Taiwan and was ranked as the top mining company at that time. The Ruifang Arch Bridge spans the Keelung River, connecting the Fuxing Mine and Ruifang Coal Mine. Viewed from Jieshou Bridge, the Ruifang Arch Bridge standing on stone foundations and its reflection in the Keelung River showcase a graceful form full of strength and beauty, becoming a scenic landmark of the Houtong area.
