【The Bittersweet History of Taiwan’s Mining Industry】Gold Museum & Jinfen Village

-Wander the narrow cobbled streets of Jiufen (Listed as one of 10 Must-Go Towns in Taiwan);

-Admire the spectacular Golden Waterfall ~ a silent witness to the glorious past of Taiwan’s gold-mining industry;

-Visit the iconic historical Gold Museum.

Golden Waterfall

Golden Waterfall is located near the Gold Museum in Jinguashi Village. Although real gold flowing from these falls would be too good to be true, the water is certainly a beautiful gold colour as a result of the combination of substantial rainfall in the area and the abundance of heavy metal elements deposited in the riverbed. The oxidation process that takes place underground can be enjoyed by visitors above ground in the cascade of gold colour flowing down the hillside contrasting to the green drops behind.The natural beauty of this place guarantees impressive photographs to everyone who makes a visit.

Gold Museum

The Gold Museum is located in the mountainous Jinguashi Village. It was opened in 2004 as one of Taiwan’s eco-museums – the first mining museum of its kind. The aim is to combine community power and preserve the precious natural resources, mining relics, unbeatable views, historical memories and cultural property of Jinguashi. The museum shows that old mining facilities can be cleverly transformed into a premier recreational tour attraction with many of the museum’s original buildings being re-used as exhibition and tourist destination – a taste of what the place was really like in its “Golden Era”. Just make sure you don’t go home without giving yourself a chance to touch the gigantic well-preserved 220 kg of 99.9% pure block of gold which is displayed in the main building!

Jiufen Village

The ancient village of Jiufen is a pretty former mining boomtown which clings to the side of Taiwan's jagged northern coast. This small town was a relatively isolated village until the discovery of gold during the Japanese occupation in 1893 overturned the town’s reputation and economy due to a gold rush. Many buildings in the town remain unchanged to this day, reflecting the Japanese influence on both architecture and culture on the island.

After the 1950s, however, the town went into sharp decline when mining was discontinued. It is the quaint streets, tea houses and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean that saved it from becoming yet another anonymous mining ghost town. The unique characters of Jiufen's downtown area which leave traces and blends of Japanese architecture are used by many filmmakers - domestic and international alike, further seals the survival of this former mining town. It is a guaranteed pleasure to stroll around a maze of lanes and alleyways with rich history of Jiufen Village.

08:00-09:00│Pick Up @ Taipei’s Hotel

10:00│Golden Waterfall: A silent witness to the glorious past of Taiwan’s gold-mining industry

10:30│Visit the iconic historical Gold Museum: Explore gold mine

11:30│Visit the iconic historical Gold Museum: Gold panning experience

12:30│Lunch (N/A): Enjoy the meal at Jinfen old street by yourself

15:30│Drop Off @ Taipei’s Hotel