Dachu Keng Old Trail Introduction
The Dazhu Keng Historic Trail was the transportation route connecting Houtong to Dazhu Keng and Jiufen in the past. Dazhu Keng is a mining settlement with nearly a hundred years of gold mining history. Jiufen was once nicknamed "Little Shanghai," while Dazhu Keng earned the nickname "Little America." At its peak, it had a population of three thousand and even established a branch of Houtong Elementary School for the convenience of local residents' children. Today, after the prosperity has faded, both the school and the settlement have become historical remnants. The Dazhu Keng Historic Trail has undergone multiple renovations and mainly features granite stone steps. It can be accessed from Houtong Station via Houtong Shrine, the old Houtong Elementary School, the Jinzi Bi Historic Trail entrance, and the Shengfu Keng Mine; alternatively, it can be entered from the end of Qinxian Junior High School in Jiufen. It is also possible to drive to the entrance at kilometer 19 of Highway 102 and take the Road Bridge Ladder directly to the settlement ruins, making transportation very convenient. Visitors can explore the hometown of renowned writer and director Wu Nien-chen and the filming sites of movies such as "Duo Sang" and "Dust in the Wind," while enjoying the mountain and sea scenery of mining towns like Houtong, Jiufen, and Jinguashi. For those wanting more, there are various combinations of trails to explore, including walking the Jinzi Bi Historic Trail, returning via the Xiaozhu Keng Historic Trail or the Dazhu Keng Hillside Historic Trail, or connecting from the Shumei Viewing Platform to the Diao Mountain Historic Trail leading to Mudan Station. Whether hiking, exploring mining town nostalgia, appreciating the mountain town's scenery, or seeking tranquility on the historic trails, visitors can gain endless inspiration and satisfaction from the experience.
