Jinguashi Geological Park

If you are wondering where you can see a real, tangible mining place around the Jiufen and Jinguashi areas, here is the answer. Jinguashi Geological Park (金瓜石地質公園), located at the original Benshan Pit (本山礦場), is an abandoned open pit cut into the side of a hill. Benshan used to be called “Dajingua” (大金瓜), which means “big pumpkin” in Chinese. It is said that the discovery of gold here led to the prosperous development of mountain towns in Jiufen and Jinguashi.

Just a few hundred meters away from the crowded Gold Ecological Park, Jinguashi Geological Park is an ideal place to indulge in the tranquility of nature. To access the park, there are two entrances leading to it: the north gate is next to the exit of Benshan Fifth Tunnel in the Gold Ecological Park and requires climbing some steps. The south entrance can be reached by Caoshan Road. The trail here is well-planned and you will see many unique local plants along the way. For a bit of a history lesson, numerous signs line the path telling stories about the prosperous gold mining period.

Jinguashi Geological Park is an educational and scenic trail that is worth your visit. For those seeking a deeper experience in Jinguashi, make sure not to miss this.