From Gravel to Gold Bars: A Day of Gold Mining at the Gold Museum
That day, I strolled down from Jiufen Old Street, drove into the mountain roads of Jinguashi, and parked in front of a row of Japanese-style dormitories. The fresh air and the sound of wind chimes transported me back to the old days of this mountain town. This place is not just a museum; it’s a tangible journey through the history of gold mining.
💛 My First Encounter with the "Gold Bar"
Walking into the Gold Museum, while others were eagerly anticipating the sight of the gold bar, I was first struck by the pure golden glow emanating from it. When the crowd thinned, I leaned closer to the glass case and observed its texture and radiance. In that moment, I imagined the excitement of the gold miners when they first saw the glittering sands.
🛠 Experiencing the Fun of Gold Panning
The highlight of my visit was the "gold panning experience." Holding a gold pan and sifting through gravel to find tiny sparkling gold particles was both chaotic and thrilling. It was incredibly therapeutic. I still remember the small bottle of gold sand I brought home, a tangible memory of that day.
🚇 The Adventure of Exploring the Tunnel
Next, I boarded the century-old A-Kin train and entered the Benshan Fifth Tunnel. Inside, it was dark, the stones were damp, and I could hear my own breathing and the sound of dripping water. The most surprising part was being able to touch the marks left from the tunnel’s expansion, making history feel within reach.
🎌 A Serene Stroll Among Japanese Architecture
Walking in front of the four-unit Japanese dormitories, there was no need to deliberately admire the architecture. Just letting the sunlight filter through the wooden windows and stairs, looking at old doors and courtyard steps, felt like stepping into a scene from a nostalgic film. Turning a corner, I found myself in the courtyard of the Crown Prince Chalet, where dappled tree shadows and soft brick textures made every step feel perfectly paced.
Tips|Make Your Visit More Enjoyable
• Suggested duration: About 3–4 hours to fully experience gold panning, the gold bar, the tunnel, and a leisurely walk around the dormitories.
• Gold panning sessions: Weekdays at 11:30/13:30/14:30, with an additional 10:30 session on weekends. Tickets (NT$100/person) are sold on-site and limited to 50 participants.
• Transportation: Drive and navigate to "Gold Museum Visitor Center," or take bus 965/Taiwan Tourist Shuttle/788 from Ruifang directly to the museum.
• Free admission for New Taipei City residents and those with specified IDs. Many locals recommend bringing family here for a relaxing and fun weekend.
The Gold Museum doesn’t just offer numbers or dates; it invites you to "get moving"—to experience gold panning, carefully touch the gold bar, listen to the echoes in the tunnel, feel the wooden doors of old dormitories, and converse with the mountain town. Its charm lies in the tangible experiences and the lasting impressions left at every step.