Located on the northeast coast of Taiwan, Jinguashi [金瓜石] was once a booming gold and copper mining town. The once prosperous area took a major plunge after the mines exhausted. However, in recent years the area has reinvented itself as a popular tourist destination. Jinguashi is home to the Gold Ecological Park [黃金博物園區], which preserves Taiwan’s mining history and serves as a venue for environmental education.
Built during the Japanese colonial period in 1922, the Crown Price Chalet [above] is one of the area’s several Japanese-style buildings. This was built in anticipation of a visit by the then crown prince.
The Benshan Fifth Tunnel provides visitors with a first-hand experience of tunnel working conditions. The copper mines of Kinkaseki [the Japanese pronounciation of Jinguashi] were the most brutal of the POW camps in Taiwan. Click here for more information about Japanese prisoner of war camps in Taiwan.:
A brief hike up will take you to all that’s left of an old Shinto temple:
Visitors can also tour the interior of a restored building once used by Japanese mine technicians and their families:
Despite the weather, the area gives spectacular views of Taiwan’s beautiful northeast coast. Here is Keelung Mountain to the left and Teapot Mountain to the right:
No visit would be complete without viewing [and touching] the 220kg gold brick on display:
The park’s official website includes information on getting there.
A few more pics can be found on my flickr photoset.
The tunnel shot is really awesome
I am amazed how many places you cover man. One day you are cycling around nantou and other day you go up north and come back with this great photo essay to tell the story. Amazing 
Wish I could do that. Its been sometime I touched my camera 
Jinguashi is on our list since we went Jiufen last time and who wouldn’t want to get his hands on that brick, even for the sake of a picture I say 
Thanks Ashish! The trip actually took place over a month ago when my family was visiting Taiwan. We had a few days in Taipei and originally planned one day to take my family to Juming Museum. On that day however, when we called my family to tell them we were on our way we discovered both of my parents had come down with a bit of a stomach problem so they opted out of the trip and my brother wanted to explore Taipei by himself. So Cathy, her mom, a family friend, and myself headed in the direction of Juming and stopped decided to stop here as the weather wasn’t good for visiting Juming.
We had a great time in Jinguashi, but I still feel bad my family couldn’t join us there!
If no one has told you this yet, I’ll be the first Ashish – your photographs have gotten better with every post. The amount of improvement I’ve seen since your first batch with your new camera to your most recent post is outstanding! I wish I could improve at your pace!
Jinguashi is a great place. I’ll have to head back there soon – the restored Japanese building and gold brick weren’t open when I went there.
And ditto to what Todd said to Ashish. Stunning photos. Yours are great too Todd
WOW 2 of my favorite photographers who I look up to are complimenting my photos :O It can’t get any better than this. Thank you so much Todd and Craig. Means a lot to me
Terrific photo essay, Todd. I haven’t been here yet, but I’m sure it won’t take much to convince John if I mention the word ‘gold’.
Craig – I would like to take time off and spend a couple non-holiday weekdays [with better weather of course] exploring the area more. I’ve barely scratched the surface of all the wonders the northeast coast offers!
Ashish – Your welcome, you earned it! Keep up the good work!
Carrie – Thanks, I’m sure you and John would really enjoy a trip up!