Jioufen Gold Mine Museum
Jioufen Gold Mine Museum
4
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The area
Neighbourhood: Ruifan District
With its air of historical heritage, Shuijinjiu (ShueiNanDong, Jingguashi, Jiufen) used to be prosperous and glamorous due to mining. Although its magnificent semblance no longer exists, the peaceful and beautiful atmosphere has persisted. With a wave to the age of the gold rush, one can still see a glimpse of its glorious past through the Golden Waterfall. Gazing at the ShueiNanDong Remains of the 13 Levels, it is like a beautiful palace that was deserted, earning it the name of “Potala Palace of the Mountain Mines”. Probing forward to the mouth of the river is the considerably distinguished Yinyang Sea, with its half gold half bluish green spectacle inspiring countless imaginations of romance.
Walking along the streets of the meandering old streets of Jiufen and tasting the various kinds of authentic eateries is the love of tourists. Stepping into the Golden Museum, one can glimpse the historical traces of the mining industry culture, reminiscing of past glories from its museum, living quarters, and shrine remains.
The unassuming mountain city of Houtong used to be a mining village. With the call of cat lovers, volunteer groups were established to create a friendly environment for cats and turned Houtong into a cat village for cat lovers.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
129 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
55
Average
32
Poor
6
Terrible
0
Terrence Q
3 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
From what I see from the reviews, many people have confused this museum with the Jin Gua Shi Gold Museum. Which is exactly how we stumbled upon this place. We thought we were heading for what was supposed to be the Jin Gua Shi museum, and wondered why the photos and this little building contrasted so much. We were looking for the iconic POW quarters and large deserted building set on a hill. Instead the photos are exactly as you see on the first few photos on this page.
We were quite taken aback at first when we were greeted by the caretaker and guide who looked a little disheveled in track pants and flip-flops. However casting our judgment aside we decided to continue with the tour.
The way the exhibits were displayed seemed quite rudimentary and the exhibition looked like it was curated a good 15 years ago. With the display cases looking very old. The museum is also not large. This building is it. That's all there is. Entry Fees are about $350 yuan or so for a family of 4 (I can't remember the exact figure). Not steep.
We were the only people in the museum, possibly because we were also there later in the day. I must say everything does not seem promising from the onset.
However, I must say, though the set up is old. The museum is small, and the guide does not seem very presentable. However he is pretty professional. He explained that his Grandfather was one of the miners that belonged to the Jiu Fen area. And that the stones and tools displayed in the museum belonged to his grandfather.
What he was able to communicate to us, was a very in-depth and personal view into the gold mining history of the Jiu Fen area. He is posses a good knowledge of the exact gold mining, extracting and refining processes that were practised during the gold mining heydays of Jiu Fen. He was also able to answer all of our in depth questions.
He took time to personally help us understand the kinds of minerals and stones that were mined alongside gold. The health problems miners faced as a result of gold refining. The technology that was employed by the taiwanese and subsequently the technology introduced by the Japanese in gold extraction and mining techniques. The different grades of gold ore. Etc.
I walked away truly feeling like I learned something about the entire gold mining history and science during that era. I was truly enlightened.
This is in contrast to the actual Jin Gua Shi Gold Museum, which is only reachable as a drive from Jiu Fen. We went there another day to find out what it had to offer. As expected, it was beautiful, it added on another layer of history more for us with regards to the Japanese occupation of that area than it did on gold mining.
The gold mining activities there were extremely touristy and extremely shallow. The information was the kind that you would expect to find, and you would walk away just knowing more or less that that area was a gold mine and not much else. It is definitely worth a visit.
But my purpose of this review is to say that this tiny museum in Jiu Fen is worth a visit. Because I feel visitors will really get first hand a feel of the mining history in that area.
Objects which were encased in glass displays at Jin Gua Shi, are still operating and open for visitors to touch and try at this Gold Mine Museum. Simply because they are personal items belonging to the family and the guide is passionate about sharing that part of his family's history with visitors.
I hope this helps you. Overall that part of Taiwan is really beautiful especially on a good day, and its touristy but worth a visit.
We were quite taken aback at first when we were greeted by the caretaker and guide who looked a little disheveled in track pants and flip-flops. However casting our judgment aside we decided to continue with the tour.
The way the exhibits were displayed seemed quite rudimentary and the exhibition looked like it was curated a good 15 years ago. With the display cases looking very old. The museum is also not large. This building is it. That's all there is. Entry Fees are about $350 yuan or so for a family of 4 (I can't remember the exact figure). Not steep.
We were the only people in the museum, possibly because we were also there later in the day. I must say everything does not seem promising from the onset.
However, I must say, though the set up is old. The museum is small, and the guide does not seem very presentable. However he is pretty professional. He explained that his Grandfather was one of the miners that belonged to the Jiu Fen area. And that the stones and tools displayed in the museum belonged to his grandfather.
What he was able to communicate to us, was a very in-depth and personal view into the gold mining history of the Jiu Fen area. He is posses a good knowledge of the exact gold mining, extracting and refining processes that were practised during the gold mining heydays of Jiu Fen. He was also able to answer all of our in depth questions.
He took time to personally help us understand the kinds of minerals and stones that were mined alongside gold. The health problems miners faced as a result of gold refining. The technology that was employed by the taiwanese and subsequently the technology introduced by the Japanese in gold extraction and mining techniques. The different grades of gold ore. Etc.
I walked away truly feeling like I learned something about the entire gold mining history and science during that era. I was truly enlightened.
This is in contrast to the actual Jin Gua Shi Gold Museum, which is only reachable as a drive from Jiu Fen. We went there another day to find out what it had to offer. As expected, it was beautiful, it added on another layer of history more for us with regards to the Japanese occupation of that area than it did on gold mining.
The gold mining activities there were extremely touristy and extremely shallow. The information was the kind that you would expect to find, and you would walk away just knowing more or less that that area was a gold mine and not much else. It is definitely worth a visit.
But my purpose of this review is to say that this tiny museum in Jiu Fen is worth a visit. Because I feel visitors will really get first hand a feel of the mining history in that area.
Objects which were encased in glass displays at Jin Gua Shi, are still operating and open for visitors to touch and try at this Gold Mine Museum. Simply because they are personal items belonging to the family and the guide is passionate about sharing that part of his family's history with visitors.
I hope this helps you. Overall that part of Taiwan is really beautiful especially on a good day, and its touristy but worth a visit.
Written 6 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Livewireshock
Lismore, Australia184 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
This area was great to explore with it's mix of industrial history and Japanese colonial buildings. The ability to touch and hold the world's largest ingot of solid gold was a nice novelty, especially with the digital readout of it's worth increasing while we were there. The nature and conditions faced here were tough and harsh, especially during WW2 when it was also the site of a POW camp for allied prisoners. It is worth walking further down the hill to their memorial park and monument.
Written 31 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee San A
Singapore, Singapore358 contributions
Dec 2012 • Family
If you like slight seeing than shopping, you need to go to Taiwan Jioufen !
The sea side views, wet market , a lot of small eating place , Temple and the wonderful Gold Mine Museum. One of the Large gold bar in Asia! (Photo not upload) You also understand the history of "gold mine" in Jioufen Taiwan.(Please Enjoy the attached photographs)
You will like it if you have homestay! The owners are very friendly! :-}
The sea side views, wet market , a lot of small eating place , Temple and the wonderful Gold Mine Museum. One of the Large gold bar in Asia! (Photo not upload) You also understand the history of "gold mine" in Jioufen Taiwan.(Please Enjoy the attached photographs)
You will like it if you have homestay! The owners are very friendly! :-}
Written 6 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hkvisitor1997
Hong Kong, China514 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
Worth a visit, it goes back to Japanese occupation more than one
hundred years ago, some living house quarter still around, with a pay fee, one can walk into a real cave, to feel the experience of miners, some gold process machinery on display, the area is very big with many sections of history site, a whole day can easily spend, if one wishes to walk for hours.
hundred years ago, some living house quarter still around, with a pay fee, one can walk into a real cave, to feel the experience of miners, some gold process machinery on display, the area is very big with many sections of history site, a whole day can easily spend, if one wishes to walk for hours.
Written 1 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KeithLim
Singapore, Singapore294 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
In this museum lies a 220.3KG Gold Bar which you can land your hand on it!
Written 30 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy L
Haliburton, Canada55 contributions
Sept 2019
This was a very interesting place on the way back to Taipei I stopped here. It was extremely hot that day so I could walk more but the museum was very cool I enjoyed it.
Written 21 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1,799 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
I was hoping to see more of the mining operation itself but got a flavor of it on the separately ticketed mine tour. Food at the various shops is repetitive but our lunch in the cafe was fairly good. Enjoyed the forested walk on the upper slope...be prepared for some significant stone steps. A long way out of Taipei for a day trip...I probably would do something else next time.
Written 18 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yapahloy
Singapore, Singapore428 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
Jiufeng Gold Mine Museum
I recommend that you pay a visit to the museum if you are in Jiu Feng.
This place thrived when gold were discovered. In a gold rush, people came to this area to look for fortune and soon township sprung up and prospered. When the gold mine exhausted, the town waned into a sleepy village until Film Director Hou Xiao Xian made a movie featuring Jiu Feng as a backdrop. Ever since, Jiu Feng found its old day glory but in different light. People come to Jiu Feng for the old street and not to forget, the gold mine museum.
The museum is housed in the former offices of the now defunct Taiwan Metal Mining Corporation. It displays the history of the gold mine, old mining equipment, transport system, the mining methods. At the end of the tour, you get to feel and touch a 220 kg gold bar. There is a billboard challenging you to lift the gold bar by claiming that you are the owner of it if you are able to lift it. Of course, none could. Do you think you can? Come here to try it.
You could also visit the Benshan Tunnels to experience the life of a gold mine worker. There are also some Japanese old houses that have been conserved, like the then Japanese Crown Prince Chalet which is of typical Japanese architecture. You can also have a vantage view of Jiu Feng village from the terrace for a few photographs.
I recommend that you pay a visit to the museum if you are in Jiu Feng.
This place thrived when gold were discovered. In a gold rush, people came to this area to look for fortune and soon township sprung up and prospered. When the gold mine exhausted, the town waned into a sleepy village until Film Director Hou Xiao Xian made a movie featuring Jiu Feng as a backdrop. Ever since, Jiu Feng found its old day glory but in different light. People come to Jiu Feng for the old street and not to forget, the gold mine museum.
The museum is housed in the former offices of the now defunct Taiwan Metal Mining Corporation. It displays the history of the gold mine, old mining equipment, transport system, the mining methods. At the end of the tour, you get to feel and touch a 220 kg gold bar. There is a billboard challenging you to lift the gold bar by claiming that you are the owner of it if you are able to lift it. Of course, none could. Do you think you can? Come here to try it.
You could also visit the Benshan Tunnels to experience the life of a gold mine worker. There are also some Japanese old houses that have been conserved, like the then Japanese Crown Prince Chalet which is of typical Japanese architecture. You can also have a vantage view of Jiu Feng village from the terrace for a few photographs.
Written 25 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimitaka S
Taichung, Taiwan15,193 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
This is the main attraction of Jinguashi, an old gold mine. Here you can touch a 2000 kilogram gold bar. The actual price is indicated besides. You can just touch, and unfortunately you cannot take it out with you.
Written 6 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian62Macau
Macau, China76 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We visited Jioufen, an old gold mining town from years gone by, and now a tourist attraction center. About 90 min bt bus from Taipei central, even the bus trip was interesting, although slower when we hit the small winding roads near to Jioufen town, which is now full of interesting shops selling souvenirs, local foods and sweets, and of course many small restaurants serving up the local delicious foods.
Written 6 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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