Taiwan: Shuinandong Smelter 水湳洞精鍊廠, Golden Waterfall 黃金瀑布, Yin-Yang Sea 陰陽海, Nanya & Keelung

A brand new month! Celebrated Leecher's birthday last friday and will blog about it (soon) once I've the pictures sorted out :) Been diligently blogging about our TW journey, and I think it should be finished soon in another 2-3 entries, lol! The longest time I've ever taken to blog about a trip, but nevertheless, it's another milestone in my life. For the new readers on this blog, you can click on the link here to read all about our Taiwan adventures :) 

A visit to Jinguashi is never complete without making a trip to the other attractions in the region.  

The winding roads leading down to the bottom of the hill. Growing up in a cosmopolitan city, this is a sight that we seldom see in our lives. Situated between the mountains and coastline, the scenery is certainly beautiful!

Shuinandong Smelter ~ this was the ore sorting and melting plant for Taiwan Metals Mining Corp. Due to its construction appearance, local people mostly call it "Remains of the thirteen levels” (十三層遺址).Built in 1933, the smelter has witnessed the rise and fall of the mining industry.

Shuinandong Smelter 水湳洞精鍊廠
Shuinandong, Ruifang District, 
New Taipei City 224
Taiwan (ROC)

The Golden Waterfall ~ As it rained a lot in the mining area, coupled with the abundant heavy metals elements deposited in the riverbed, this waterfall looked "gold" which earned its name of "Golden Waterfall" 黃金瀑布

This is a popular spot for wedding photography, as we spotted several couples taking their wedding pics at a corner.

Golden Waterfall 黃金瀑布
Ruifang District, New Taipei City 224
Taiwan (ROC)

As you travel along the coastal road, you will witness a strange sight, a bay where the sea is a mixture of yellow and blue. This is known as Yin-Yang Sea (陰陽海). It was initially believed that the sea colour was a result of pollution (due to mining activities), but over 10 years after mining activities stopped, Yin-Yang sea still exits. Now, it is believed that the strange colour comes from the insoluble iron ion floating particles which are gradually formed from plenty of pyrite in Jinguashi area. Because of the highly concentrated heavy metal ion presence, it is strongly recommended not to go into the water.

Yin-Yang Sea 陰陽海

Ruifang District, New Taipei City 226,

Taiwan ROC

 Nanya, the northernmost scenic spot of the Northeast Coast. This place is renowned for the wind & sea sculpted rock formations scattered along its shores.

 Nanya is the gateway to the Northeast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area. Here, you can take in miles and miles of sea and wind-eroded rocks formation and outcroppings dotting the vibrant and pristine coastline. Drivers should take their time traveling through here in order to enjoy the spectacular sights.

 Nanya 

Ruifang District, New Taipei City

Our day trip is almost coming to an end, so our last stop is Keelung for dinner before heading back to our hotel. The hollywood rendition of "KEELUNG" can be seen from afar. Keelung is actually a major port city, nicknamed the Rainy Port for its frequent rain and maritime role.

A look @ their night market. It was extremely crowded even though it was a weekday night. Miaokou Night Market is famous for its large selection of food & its easily accessible by foot.

All kinds of seafood available for your feasting.

So, we ended the night with a big seafood feast. Prices don't come cheap though, maybe they know that we are tourist, hence the hefty price tag?

Taiwan: Jinguashi 金瓜石 Gold Ecological Park

We have survived 1/6 of the year ~ where did all the time went to? February is always a short month, coupled with CNY holidays, it felt even shorter *not that I'm complaining, haha* After our visit to Jiufen, we headed over the Jinguashi, notable for its historic gold & copper mines. A visit to the Gold Ecological Park(which opened in 2004) is a must.

 

 

 This park is located in the mountain town on Jinguashi & has rich historical, cultural and natural resources. It is also the first museum park in Taiwan created according to eco-museum ideas. 

 

 The map of the park ~ entrance fee is NT50/pax. The park is closed on the 1st Mondays of each month, unless it is a public holiday.

 

 The "miners" @ work.

  

 The places where u can visit within the park. 

 

The view of the town, where houses were built on slopes. 

 

Let's explore the park! 

 

In the colonial era, employee dormitory buildings built by Japanese companies were in abundance, especially in Jinguashi. To adjust to the sloping terrain, all the Japanese houses are neatly arranged on the slope. There are 4 types of houses: detached single dwelling houses, semi-detached, joined houses (3-4 homes in one building) and long houses. House area and type differed according to the rank of the employee in the company. Four joined houses are now rare in Taiwan, which has now become a precious cultural asset. 

  

Leecher standing outside Crown Prince's chalet.

 

The Tanaka Mining Corporation built the chalet in 1922 for the visit of Crown Prince Hirohito. The chateau was built in accordance with the prince's residence in Japan.

 

 We headed over to Benshan 5th tunnel - for visitors to experience being in an actual mining tunnel.
 

 The start of our experience, at the starting point of the tunnel.
 

Benshan Tunnel No. 5 power distribution center. The station mainly supplied power to Jinguashi area, distributing electricity to all corners of the park for their usage. 

 

In cooperation with Taiwan Sugar Corp, the old Benshan Tunnel No. 5 was renovated and partly re-opened to the public for the tunnel experience. 

 

 Waxworks are used to show the process of ore extraction and how the miners worked in the olden days.

 

After the tunnel experience, we headed to the exhibition area.

 The center piece of the exhibition area was this gigantic pure gold ingot (999.9 pure), weighing at a world record of 220kg. The value is of gold ingot is worth approx 12million USD.

And of course, we won't miss a chance touching it!

Gold Ecological Park

22450 No. 8 Jinguang Road, Rueifang District

New Taipei City, Taiwan ROC

Opening hours: 9.30am till 5pm (Monday - Friday), 9.30am till 6pm (Sat & Sun)

Closed on 1st Monday of every month