Houtong Introduction
Houtong, famous for its adorable cats, is rich in coal seam layers that attracted many miners to extract "black gold," making it a significant hub for Taiwan's coal industry in the past. The splendid past has shaped its cultural heritage, and today, Houtong still retains abundant mining relics, including mines, trolleys, coal transportation bridges, miners' dormitories, and the Ruishan Mining Company. Visitors can ride trolleys through the coal transportation tunnels to experience the hardships of miners, and this unique experience is sure to be unforgettable. Did you know that Houtong once had the most advanced coal mining equipment? When taking the train through Houtong, did the large characters "Coal Production for the Nation / Ruishan Mining Company" on the black buildings catch your attention? In the past, for coal extraction and due to its geographical advantages, Houtong possessed the most advanced washing and coal production equipment of its time. After the Yilan Line railway opened, it became a crucial supporter of Taiwan's industrial fuel. The coal processing plant with the characters "Coal Production for the Nation" on its exterior is the best testament to this legacy. To explore Houtong's past grandeur, consider walking to the coal transportation bridge. There, you can overlook the entire town and its mining relics while appreciating the stunning geological beauty of the Keelung River's potholes. When night falls, the coal transportation bridge, illuminated by lights that reflect in the Keelung River, transforms into a must-capture night scene for photographers.
