Previous: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/05/around-taipei-mt-qixing-hike-22-230408_3.html
On the eve of our departure from Taiwan, we decided to self-explore the famous Jiufen (or Nine portions) village, located within the hills in northeastern Taiwan. Jiufen used to be the center of gold mining but now owed its fame to production of period movies.
To go to Jiufen, we took a bus from Changlung Street (where we stayed at Leofoo Hotel) to Taipei Railway Station. From here we took a 40 minutes train ride to Ruifang and another 10 minutes bus ride to Jiufen. The bus and train were notably clean and punctual.
We dropped off at the Main Bus Stop of the village at 11.40 a.m. and explored the nearby Jinshan Street which runs through the village. Along the street there were shops vending various famous local dishes. Next we explore the adjacent vertical Shuci Street with many unique and period teahouses.
At about 2.30 p.m. we took another short bus ride to a nearby Jinguashih village. We spent about 1½ hours trekking through the village area to view the distinctive Teapot Mountain, the Yin-Yang Sea and the scenic mountain surroundings. The imposing mountains seemed to be devoid of tall trees as we could clearly make out the gazebos or pavilions dotting the mountain trails. The mountain trails looked so ever inviting. But alas, we could only drool over them as we had to make our way back to Taipei at 4 p.m.
Approximately 580 meters high, Teapot Mountain is shaped like a handleless teapot. The Teapot Mountain itself is an ore body. It is a breccia ore chimney, comprised mainly of silicified sandstone and shale. With regard the Yin-Yang Sea, the dual colours of yellow and blue at the bay was a result of large amount of pyrite that, after millions of years has formed floating Fe3+ particles which do not dissolve easily in water.
Transport & Food Cost = NT250 (RM25) pax
For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/2762.
The End.
wah!! so many mooooOOachiii....
ReplyDeleteslup~
looks like antique wine shop ;)
ReplyDeleteooh~ so nice to have moochi for lunch..
ReplyDeleteBS, how come you know the chemical and geology names? I enjoy reading your posts. Great journals! Keep posting!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing place. Did you explore the houses in Jiu Fen? They are arranged and built like the tunnels beneath, with winding path ways.
ReplyDeletePeople say it's easy for outsiders to lose their bearings once gone too deep in the village.
And this is where lots of clogs were sold each year.
First to local people now to tourists. Strange enough Jiu Fen does NOT produce clogs. It's worn by local ppl to scare off local (Taiwanese) ghost at night. These ghost are those who died during mining days under imeperial Japan. They are believed to be afraid of noise made by clogs worn by Japanese soldiers.
Thanks for the historical input. Jiufen is a nice touristy place but I prefer the nearby Jinguashih village for the scenic mountain and sea views. Should have come extra early and hike up at least the Teapot Mt... sigh
ReplyDeleteEasy! Research the internet "library" to satisfy my curiosity.
ReplyDeletemochi at the shop really taste good. we were wanted to buy but taipei is our first stop so cant afford to carry it all the way with us :(
ReplyDelete