Adventures into the old goldmining town

/ Shueinandong 水湳洞 /
/ Jinguashi 金瓜石 /
/ Jiufen 九份 /

Once a backdrop to one of Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien’s most riveting films, this former mining district remains shrouded in otherworldly beauty. From the derelict Remains of the Thirteen Levels copper refinery to the ginger-blue waters of the Ying Yang Sea, the breathtaking scenery of this region is best enjoyed with a pot of hot tea and some afternoon snacks.
貓咪資訊站
Information Center for Kitten Sanitation
To provide convenient access to information of cats and other animals, New Taipei City government spent four months in renovation and finally transformed the old Taiwan Rail dormitory into Feline Information Center. Cat Sky, an illustrator, was invited to design cat murals, piano stairs, and a series of cat-themed art installation. Address: Next to Houdong Railway Station, Ruifang District, New Taipei City Getting there: Beside Houdong Station on the North-link Line train
1

Yin Yang Sea,Remains of the Thirteen Levels
陰陽海、十三層遺址

A smelter built up 13 levels to fit the mountainous terrain, complete with a 2-km flue pipe that surrounds the mountain. Then there is Yin Yang Sea, a section of the coast known for its half gold, half dark blue color, is a clash of Jinguashi Creek ( 金瓜石溪 ) and the river mouth. Getting there:Take the Jinshui Romantic Shuttle 891 that travels between Jinguashi and Shuinandong.

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2

Golden Waterfall 黃金瀑布

The water is gold because of gold ore deposits and fungi growth. The spectacular waterfall, which has several layers formed by an undulating terrain, is one of the most popular scenes for wedding photos. Due to accumulation of metals, the waterfall now shines with golden hues, fascinating under the sunlight.Getting there:Take the Jinshui Romantic Shuttle 891that travels between Jinguashi and Shuinandong.

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3

Gold Museum 黃金博物館

The museum tells the story of Jinguashi's rise and fall as a mining town. It presents a rich tapestry of local culture and that perfectly coexist with the beautiful surroundings.Address : No. 8,Jinguang Rd., Ruifang District, New Taipei City
TEL: 02-24962800
Hours: Monday-Friday:09:30- 17:00,Weekend:09:30-18:00(call for details) Getting there:Take the Jinshui Romantic Shuttle 891and get off at Gold Museum stop.

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4

Jiufen Old Street 九份老街

Most of the coffee shops and tea houses in Jiufen cluster along the 300 meters of cobblestone steps of Shuqi Rd. ( 豎崎路 ), between Jiufen Elementary School ( 九份國小 ) and Shengping Theater ( 昇平 戲院 ). Previously built to deliver goods, this route has revived thanks to the film “A City of Sadness ( 悲情城市 )”. Getting there:Take the North-link Line train to Ruifang Station. Opposite the Station square take Keelung Bus to Jiufen Old Street.

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5

Houtong Cat Villiage 猴硐貓村

2013 CNN reported Houtong Cat Village the "6 places where cats outshine tourist attractions". The story began with a cat lover who organized a team of volunteers to create a true cat-friendly environment. The Houtong Cat Village is now the hottest tourist spot in New Taipei City.Address : Chetouding Village (Cat’s Village), Houtong, Guangfu Borough, Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City.

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