Gold Museum Jinguashi
Explore Taiwan's gold mining past at Jinguashi, featuring a giant gold brick, historic mine tunnels, and scenic mountain hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Gold Museum Jinguashi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Taiwan's gold mining past at Jinguashi, featuring a giant gold brick, historic mine tunnels, and scenic mountain hikes.
"An interesting site with unique attractions, though some areas need repair and ticketing can be confusing."
Check Experience Schedules First
Mine tours & experiences sell out fast! Check times upon arrival to plan your day. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and hiking trails. Good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Gold Brick
Gold Museum
Touch a 220kg gold brick worth millions! A truly dazzling and unforgettable experience.
The Historic Mine Tunnel
Mine Tunnel Experience
Step back in time and explore the actual gold mine tunnels. An immersive historical journey.
Crown Prince Hirohito's Chalet
Benshan Old Street
Explore the beautifully preserved Japanese-era residence of Crown Prince Hirohito.
Teapot Mountain Hike
Near Gold Museum
Embark on a scenic hike with stunning coastal and mountain views. Rewarding for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tunnel & Mine Experiences
Navigating Fees and Renovations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Experience Schedules First
Mine tours & experiences sell out fast! Check times upon arrival to plan your day. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and hiking trails. Good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Prepare for Separate Fees
Each attraction has its own ticket. Budget accordingly! :moneywithwings:
Confirm Renovation Status
Some areas may be closed for repairs. Ask staff before buying tickets. :construction:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Experience Schedules First
Mine tours & experiences sell out fast! Check times upon arrival to plan your day. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and hiking trails. Good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Prepare for Separate Fees
Each attraction has its own ticket. Budget accordingly! :moneywithwings:
Confirm Renovation Status
Some areas may be closed for repairs. Ask staff before buying tickets. :construction:
Bus 965 is Convenient
Easy access from Taipei's North Gate. About an hour ride. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Gold Museum Jinguashi an interesting historical site with unique attractions like the giant gold brick and mine tunnels. While the affordability and educational value are appreciated, some areas are noted to be in disrepair, and the ticketing system with separate fees for multiple attractions can be confusing and lead to disappointment if experiences are sold out or closed for renovation.
"This location offers an excellent opportunity for children to learn about the history of Taiwanese gold mines. The site features numerous exhibits and trails leading to various historical locations, some of which may require additional fees. The staff is known for their friendly and helpful service. A highlight of the visit is the impressive exhibit showcasing a substantial gold brick, valued at US$23.8 million. Furthermore, visitors can learn about identifying potential gold-bearing rocks."
Ed C
"An interesting site to visit. Park like grounds. However the site is in a state of disrepair. Renovations started in 2004 and it seems that weather and the elements have taken their toll. The little train was not functioning on the day I visited. There is a tunnel experience that you can take for an additional $150, but the ticket counter nearby wasn't open. Several pleasant workers standing around but with little guidance. Signage could have been a lot better. I think, but I'm not sure that I was supposed to get my ticket at the main entrance."
Raj
"Pretty interesting gold mine converted to museum like park. The museum exhibits are mostly 1 room displays scattered in 5-6 different buildings.The out door area is beautiful with various hiking routes nearby. The tickets are pretty cheap since it’s public / government sponsored.
Best to go on a good sunny day so you can enjoy the outdoor areas more"
Greg Kuebler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way to reach the Gold Museum Jinguashi from Taipei is by taking Bus 965 from Taipei's North Gate (Beimun Station). The journey takes approximately one hour. This bus route also conveniently stops at other popular spots like Jiufen Old Street, making it easy to combine visits.
While specific parking details are not widely shared, it's generally advisable to rely on public transport due to the mountainous terrain and potential for limited parking. Bus 965 offers a straightforward and scenic route.
Absolutely! The Gold Museum Jinguashi is a popular day trip destination from Taipei. You can easily combine it with visits to nearby attractions like Jiufen Old Street and Pingxi Old Street using public transport like Bus 965.
Bus 965 is a convenient option for traveling between the Gold Museum Jinguashi and Jiufen Old Street, as they are on the same route. This allows for easy exploration of both areas within a single day.
One TikTok user humorously mentioned being cautious of 'murder hornets and vipers in the bushes'. While this might be an exaggeration for dramatic effect, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings in natural environments.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the Gold Museum complex are generally affordable, with one source mentioning 80 TWD. However, be aware that many of the individual attractions within the complex, such as the mine tunnel experience, have separate fees.
One visitor mentioned that the museum was free for some reason on the day they visited. It's possible that there are occasional promotional periods or special circumstances that offer free admission.
The general admission ticket provides access to the museum exhibits and the park-like grounds. However, specific experiences like the mine tunnel tour or the little mining car experience often require separate tickets and have their own set times.
It appears that tickets for popular experiences like the mine tunnel sell out quickly, and some visitors were unable to participate because they were sold out by the afternoon. It's best to check the schedule and purchase tickets as soon as you arrive.
While specific hours are not detailed in the provided content, one review suggests that by 1 PM, all experiences for the rest of the afternoon were already sold out. This indicates that arriving earlier in the day is advisable to secure tickets for desired activities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Gold Museum Jinguashi offers a variety of attractions, including exhibits on gold mining history, the chance to touch a massive gold brick, a historic mine tunnel experience, and the former residence of Crown Prince Hirohito. The surrounding area also features hiking trails like Teapot Mountain.
Yes, the museum is considered an excellent place for children to learn about Taiwanese gold mining history. The exhibits and trails offer an engaging and educational experience for younger visitors.
The 220-kilogram gold brick is a major highlight, valued at nearly 700 million NTD (approximately US$23.8 million). Visitors have the unique opportunity to touch this impressive artifact.
Indeed, the area around the Gold Museum is known for its hiking trails. Teapot Mountain (4000m) is a popular choice, offering rewarding climbs and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscapes.
Some reviews indicate that parts of the site are in a state of disrepair, with renovations ongoing since 2004. Weather and time have taken their toll on some structures, and certain attractions like the little train may not be functioning.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic photo opportunities include the massive gold brick, the entrance to the historic mine tunnel, the Japanese-era Crown Prince's Chalet, and the scenic views from the Teapot Mountain hike. The 'stairs turned into a waterfall' at the Gold Mine Museum is also a unique shot.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally assumed that photography is allowed in most museum areas unless otherwise indicated by signage. However, be mindful of any restrictions, especially around delicate artifacts.
Visitors often capture the grandeur of the gold brick, the historical ambiance of the mine, and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and coast from the hiking trails. The unique 'waterfall stairs' also make for interesting shots.
Visiting on a sunny day will enhance the colors and visibility for photography, especially for the outdoor exhibits and hiking trails. Early mornings or late afternoons might offer softer light and fewer crowds.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens would be beneficial for capturing both the close-up details of the gold exhibits and the expansive landscapes from the hikes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the mine tunnels and scenic vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early to secure tickets for popular timed experiences like the mine tunnel, as they sell out quickly. Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking, and consider the Teapot Mountain hike for older children who enjoy nature and views. Be prepared for separate entrance fees for different attractions within the complex.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: Prioritize which paid experiences are most important to you, as the costs can add up. Utilize public transport like Bus 965 from Taipei, which is an economical way to reach the site. Enjoy the free-to-explore park grounds and the scenic hiking trails like Teapot Mountain for cost-free enjoyment.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Tips for photographers: Visit on a sunny day for vibrant colors and clear views, especially for the outdoor exhibits and the Teapot Mountain hike. Consider arriving early to capture shots with fewer crowds. A versatile camera setup will allow you to capture both close-up details and expansive landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gold Rush History of Jinguashi
During its peak, Jinguashi was a significant source of wealth, attracting miners and workers from across the region. The remnants of this era, including the mine shafts and the Japanese-era architecture like the Crown Prince's Chalet, stand as testaments to its prosperous past. The museum aims to educate visitors about the mining techniques, the lives of the miners, and the economic impact of gold extraction on Taiwan.
Today, Jinguashi is more than just a museum; it's an open-air testament to industrial history. The integration of natural landscapes with historical structures, like the nearby Teapot Mountain hike, provides a unique visitor experience. This blend allows for an appreciation of both the human endeavor in mining and the natural beauty of the region.
Exploring the Interactive Experiences
Another engaging activity is the little mining car experience, which simulates the transport of ore. Similar to the tunnel tour, this also operates on a set schedule and can be fully booked early in the day. Visitors interested in these hands-on activities should prioritize them upon arrival to ensure participation.
Beyond these, the museum grounds themselves are an experience. The Benshan Old Street area, with its historical buildings and the Crown Prince's Chalet, offers a step back in time. The chance to touch the giant gold brick is a unique highlight, offering a tangible connection to the immense value and allure of gold.
The Allure of Teapot Mountain
The trail itself is described as not overly difficult but involves a significant number of stairs, so comfortable footwear is essential. The journey to the summit provides a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Taiwan's northeastern coast. It's a perfect activity for nature enthusiasts and photographers looking for spectacular vistas.
Combining the historical exploration of the Gold Museum with the natural beauty and physical challenge of the Teapot Mountain hike offers a well-rounded experience of the Jinguashi region. It's a chance to connect with both the industrial past and the stunning natural environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit