Your tour starts with a stop at Nanya Rock, known for its unique rock formations created by weathering and erosion for years. Most of the rocks lying along the coastline are sandstones and sedimentary rocks; because of the velocity on erosion and the resistance to erosion, the rocks are formed in different shapes, such as the Ice Cream Rock, the Bamboo Shoot Rock, and the Fur Seal Rock, providing perfect photo opportunities.
After that, you will pass by the Bay of Two Colours on the way to the next stop of your tour. Bay of Two Colours, as its name implies, a bay where the sea is split into two colours—yellow and blue. The Chinese name “Ying Yang Sea” is given because the contrasting colours are associated with the Chinese yin and yang symbol. The process of natural mineral formation results in this unique phenomenon, “half golden, half blue” sea.
Your tour continues with a stop at the Remains of the 13 Levels in Jinguashi, a former copper smelter, which was built in 1933 when the Japanese people discovered and started the copper mining here. The copper smelter was closed in 1987 due to the decline of the mining industry. Gaze at the remains from afar, this building is like an abandoned palace that is forgotten by people. Today it has become a popular spot for many dramas and advertisements shooting.
Lastly, the highlight of your tour—Jiufen Village, a hillside village that was once flourished in the 1940s due to the gold mining industry, and then fell into disrepair and decrepitude for years.
The awarded film “A City of Sadness”, directed by the famous film director Hou Hsiao-hsien, was shot there. Its unique historical background, the melancholic and emotional atmosphere attracted enormous global attention. The success of the film also brought vitality to Jiufen’s tourism, making it the most popular destination in northeastern Taiwan.
Since you are in Jiufen, it’s recommended to have a cup of tea at a teahouse, where you can appreciate the picturesque scenery, and the freshly brewed tea at the same time. Besides the teahouses, here you can also tastes various local foods and buy souvenirs. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the traditional Jiufen dessert—Taro Ball!
At the end of the tour, you may choose to disembark at Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei 101) or MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station.