Jiufen Visitor Center Introduction
The Jiufen Visitor Center is located east of the Jiufen Police Station. Visitors can take the bus to the "Jiufen Police Station" stop and walk a few steps forward to reach the center. The governing body of this visitor center is the Tourism and Travel Department of New Taipei City Government. The first floor serves as the visitor service area, while the upper floors are for office purposes and are not open to the public. The architecture of the visitor center is quite modern, featuring a clean and refreshing design. The first floor has glass walls set between square columns, creating a transparent visual effect that encourages travelers to step inside for a visit. The floor on the first level is paved with washed pebbles, evoking an impression of being in a mining area. There are wooden benches both outside the glass walls and inside the service area for visitors to take a break. Behind the service counter, there is a large tri-lingual map that outlines some of the main tourist attractions in the Shuinandong-Jiufen area and their relative positions. First-time visitors to the Shuinandong-Jiufen area are advised to stop by the visitor center first, as it can save a lot of unnecessary exploration and provide a comprehensive overview of the area along with valuable information. Staff are eager to assist with various inquiries, such as directions to attractions, bus schedules, park opening dates and times, and other troubleshooting needs. The interior features several scale models of vintage lightweight vehicles, each displaying the various minerals and historical mining tools from the Shuinandong-Jiufen area, creating a mini-museum. Posters on the walls summarize the developmental history of the Jiufen area in brief prose using three languages. A small service for stamping commemorative impressions is also available on the table. The brochures available here are printed in various languages, providing in-depth and accessible introductions to different scenic spots, often accompanied by beautifully designed brief maps, making them one of the most frequently used printed materials by travelers. A large television hangs from the ceiling, continuously playing introductions to important attractions in the Shuinandong-Jiufen area. A newly added large-screen Kiosk navigation system offers a highly interactive experience with 3D visual effects, allowing inquirers to quickly understand how to reach major locations scattered throughout the Shuinandong-Jiufen area. Another important service is provided by the stationed tour guides, some of whom are local residents or nearby volunteers, assisting travelers with explanations, such as the Japanese-speaking volunteers who regularly report for duty on weekends.
