Houtong Introduction
Known for its adorable resident cats, Houtong is rich in coal mine layers, attracting many to mine for "black gold," making it a significant center of Taiwan's coal industry in the past. The glorious years of its history have cultivated a rich cultural heritage; today, Houtong still maintains an abundance of mining relics, including mine shafts, trolleys, coal transport bridges, miner dormitories, and the Ruishan Mining Company. Visitors can even take a trolley through the coal transport tunnels to experience the hardships faced by miners—an unforgettable and unique experience. Did you know that Houtong once had the most advanced coal mining equipment? When traveling by train through Houtong, did you notice the large characters "Coal Production Fortunate Country/Ruishan Mining Company" on the black-themed building? In the past, due to coal mining and its geographical advantages, Houtong possessed the most advanced washing, selection, and coal production equipment of its time. After the Yilan Line train service started, it became a key hub supporting Taiwan's industrial fuel needs, with the coal processing plant marked by "Coal Production Fortunate Country" being a testament to its history. To appreciate the grandeur of Houtong's coal factory, consider walking to the coal transport bridge, where you can overlook the entire town and mining relics while enjoying the beautiful geological scenery of the Keelung River. When night falls, the coal transport bridge, lit up and reflected in the Keelung River, becomes a must-capture night scene for photographers.
