By MOOK Travel Life Network Editorial Team
The “Hexing Charcoal Pit” in Taipei’s Xinyi District has re-emerged to public view after the city government carried out an environmental makeover of the surrounding area. Thanks to word-of-mouth among visitors, it has become one of the city’s up-and-coming attractions. But aside from the charcoal pit, many may not know that next to the “Hexing Charcoal Pit” there stands a lush, thriving old banyan tree whose roots tightly wrap around a red-brick house—resembling the house tied with balloons about to take off in the movie “Up.” This forms an awe-inspiring “treehouse” wonder that leaves every visitor amazed!
A towering banyan tree rooted around a brick house rises toward the sky, showcasing nature’s resilient vitality (Photo credit: Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
To achieve disaster prevention and mitigation goals, the Department of Urban Development has recently carried out a comprehensive revitalization of the nearby Old Pi Stream. The “Hexing Charcoal Pit” and the “Treehouse” by the stream have undergone overall environmental redevelopment, creating a new leisure and recreational spot for local residents while also serving an environmental education function. The restoration of Old Pi Stream utilizes ecological engineering techniques such as block stone revetment, timber pile restraint works, and pile-driven woven fences—all making full use of natural materials. These methods not only offer excellent permeability and high safety but also result in a more attractive appearance.
A towering banyan tree rooted around a brick house rises toward the sky, resembling the house tied with balloons about to take off in the movie “Up” (Photo credit: Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
Restoration using timber pile restraint works emphasizes safety, aesthetics, and ecology in equal measure (Photo credit: Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
Now, the highlights of the “Hexing Charcoal Pit” have expanded. Previously dilapidated areas next to the pit have been improved and revitalized, allowing visitors to view the treehouse up close and enlivening the overall leisure route. Visitors can walk along the brick-red flooring and along the imagery of mining cart tracks into the “Time Tunnel” to admire the ceramic mural depicting “The Life of Coal.” After viewing the “Hexing Charcoal Pit” and the “Miner Xiaojia,” they can then head to the “Treehouse” for a visit. It invites you to experience the wondrous craftsmanship of nature, as if the heyday of the Hexing Charcoal Pit mining operation is flashing before your eyes. The saplings from back then have now grown into towering trees reaching toward the sky—you can truly feel the charm of the old mining area and the vitality of nature.
The heyday of the Hexing Charcoal Pit mining operation is flashing before your eyes (Photo credit: Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
What was once an old mine pit has now become a unique attraction in Xinyi District, allowing locals to experience Taiwan’s mining culture right in Taipei City. (Photo credit: Taipei City Department of Urban Development)
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