Dachukeng Ancient Trail Introduction
The Dacun-Keng Old Trail was an early connecting road from Houtong to Dacun-Keng and Jiufen. Dacun-Keng is a mining settlement with nearly a century of gold mining history. In the past, Jiufen was nicknamed "Little Shanghai," while Dacun-Keng was known as "Little America." At its peak, it had a population of three thousand and even established a branch of Houtong Elementary School to facilitate education for the children of Dacun-Keng residents. Today, as prosperity has faded, both the school and the settlement have become ruins. After numerous renovations, the Dacun-Keng Old Trail mainly consists of granite stone steps. One can enter the trail from Houtong Station, passing through Houtong Shrine, the old Houtong Elementary School, the entrance of the Jinzibei Old Trail, and the Shengfu Mine. Alternatively, one can choose to enter from the other end at Qinxian Junior High School in Jiufen. It is also accessible by car from the entrance at the 19K mark on Provincial Highway 102, reaching the settlement ruins directly via a sky bridge ladder, making transportation very convenient. Here, you can visit the hometown of renowned writer and director Wu Nien-jen, as well as the filming locations of movies such as "Duo Sang" and "Dust in the Wind." The stunning mountain and sea views of Houtong, Jiufen, and Jinguashi, a mining town, can also be enjoyed. For those seeking more, you can continue along the Jinzibei Old Trail or return to the starting point via the Xiaocu-Keng Old Trail or the Dacun-Keng Trail. Alternatively, journey from the Shumei Viewing Platform to the Diaoshan Old Trail, reaching Mudan Station, offering various combinations of routes. Whether it's mountain hiking, nostalgia for the mining town, enjoying the mountain city landscape, or exploring the ancient trails, there are countless touches and satisfactions to be gained from this experience.
