Jinguashi (金瓜石)

I have explored many places around Taipei county (Danshui, Jin Shan, Yangmingshan hotsprings, Yingge etc). Other than Yangmingshan, none of them were really worth blogging about... until last weekend when I visited Jin Gua Shi (金瓜石).

3 km away from the more famous Jiufen, Jinguashi is was also once the cold mining centre during the Japanese era. To me, this was a better place to get a glimpse of Taiwan's Japanese heritage. Jiufen was just too popular. In comparison, Jinguashi felt really quaint. It's surrounding hillsides are also wonderful to stroll & get lost in.

Took these shots using the "Colour Accent" mode of my trusty Canon Ixus800

Crown Prince Chalet - built as an official residence for the Jap Royal family to use when visiting Taiwan.


Not-yet-restored Jap style wooden house


Pathways used by miners

Gold Mining Museum - with the word "金" incorporated into the design


A little further away from the museum...



along this trail....


and this....


Just a 5 min walk....

You get this...

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Village against the mountains...



Climb up this to get a better view...


Great place for a picnic - if only the weather was better...


Winding roads leading towards the sea

surrounding hills...



View from the top


On the other side of the hills: The ruins of the "Golden Temple"


another uphill climb...

The it started to rain... took this shot while seeking shelter

the ruins are like something out of a Greek Mythology


not so well paved path kind of adds to its beauty


Thank goodness we didn't drive... took the bus back to town


The original intention was to explore Jinguashi in the morning & hang out in Jiufen in the afternoon, but the crowd at Jiufen was HORRIFIC, so gave it miss.

*note to self: to bring friends/ family here on a weekday*

Random shots on the way to the train station:

Luckily we reserved seats in the train...

I love trains - this is one of the ulu-er train type




Off to Taipei!