A Photographic Journey Through New Taipei City’s Light and Shadows

The serenity and simplicity of mountain towns always offer travelers seeking tranquility a sense of comforting nostalgia and fulfillment. From the nighttime scenery of Jiufen and Jinguashi, the trains of Pingxi and the old Jingtong Station, a glimpse of the former mining boom in Houtong and Ruifang, to the terraced fields and century-old thatched cottages in Shipi and Shenkeng—each tells a timeless tale of love and stories unique to these mountain settlements.

 

Located between Pinglin and Toucheng, the Xueshan Tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in Taiwan. Before dawn each day, the headlights of vehicles create illuminated trails along the dual S-shaped roads; from autumn to the following spring, mist often shrouds the surrounding mountain ranges. When paired with the vibrant morning skies, the result is a naturally stunning view.

 

At 586.8 meters above sea level, Keelung Mountain sits at the border of Jiufen and Jinguashi. This conical dormant volcano is known by other names such as “Chicken Cage Mountain” and “Big Belly Beauty Mountain” due to its varying appearance when viewed from different angles. The entire mountain is equipped with stone-step hiking trails, offering views of Jiufen or distant sights like Bitou Cape and Shuishe Cave—showcasing breathtaking scenery.

 

The Jinshui Highway is a multi-layered, twisting S-shaped road with layers upon layers of 180-degree sloped curves that wind downward, creating a surreal experience. An advertisement for the March car brand made this road famous, especially at night when traffic flows continuously, complemented by the night view of the Yin-Yang Sea, resulting in a uniquely captivating landscape.

 

Jinshui Highway → Jingming Pavilion Outlook → Incline Cable Car & Wuji Cable Car → Bao Shi Mountain Viewpoint → Jinguashi Old Street → Gold Ecological Park → Gold Shrine

Jingming Pavilion Outlook, Bao Shi Mountain Viewpoint, and the Gold Shrine are all excellent locations for capturing beautiful scenes. From Jingming Pavilion, you can see Keelung Mountain, the Yin-Yang Sea, the Shuishe Cave settlement, and the Jinshui Highway. The Bao Shi Mountain Viewpoint offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire East Coast. At the ruins of the Gold Shrine, you can take in the full view of Tea Pot Mountain and the Jinguashi settlement.

Jinguashi Old Street, also known as Qitang Road in Jinguashi, retains a serene and nostalgic atmosphere. The houses on the street still feature black waterproof roofs coated with bitumen, which is one of their main characteristics. Strolling down the street, you’ll pass by old-fashioned grocery stores and... (text cut off)