Pingxi Coal Mine

The Pingxi coal mining district in Northern Taiwan was a cornerstone of the island's industrial energy supply throughout much of the 20th century. Large-scale exploitation began during the Japanese colonial era, which saw the construction of the Pingxi Branch Line specifically to transport coal from the mountains. Towns like Jingtong, Pingxi, and Shifen evolved into bustling mining communities where thousands of laborers worked in hazardous conditions. The high-quality coal extracted here was indispensable for powering Taiwan's factories and steam locomotives. Following the decline of the domestic coal industry in the 1970s and 1980s, the mines were gradually shuttered, leaving behind a wealth of industrial heritage, including shafts and processing plants. Today, Pingxi has transitioned into a major tourist destination that actively preserves its mining identity. The coal mining museum in Jingtong and the operational heritage railway provide a deep look into the miners' arduous lives. The region is also world-famous for its sky lantern tradition, which is deeply intertwined with its mining history.

Nearby cities

New Taipei City

The most populous city in Taiwan, completely enclosing the capital Taipei.

Wulai

A mountainous village famous for its natural hot springs, towering waterfalls, and indigenous Atayal culture.

Beitou

Taipei's famous hot spring district, known for its sulfurous steam and historical Japanese influences.

Hutoushan / Lalashan

A high-altitude mountain retreat famous for its millennia-old giant cypress trees and refreshing air.

Keelung

A bustling port city in the northeast, famous for its night market and rainy weather.

Yehliu

Yehliu is famous for its geological park featuring bizarre rock formations shaped by erosion along the northern coast.

Jiaoxi

A modern hot spring town in Yilan, famous for its rare flatland thermal springs and local 'hot spring' agricultural products.

Yilan

A picturesque city in the Lanyang Plain, famous for hot springs and untouched nature.

Zhongjiao

A prominent surfing paradise on Taiwan's north coast, famous for its consistent waves and wide sandy beaches.

Taipei

The bustling capital of Taiwan, known for the 508-meter-tall Taipei 101 skyscraper and lively night markets.

Luodong

Taiwan's smallest urban township, which is nevertheless the busiest business center in Yilan County.

Chiufen Sandiaojiao

A magical mountain village and the easternmost point of Taiwan, offering breathtaking Pacific views.

Baishawan

A stunning white sand beach on the north coast, perfect for water sports and seaside relaxation.

Taoyuan

A major industrial city in the northwest, home to Taiwan's main international airport.

History & landmarks

Jiufen Old Street

A charming mountain town that was once a center for gold mining, now famous for its narrow alleys and traditional teahouses.

Yehliu Geopark

A geological park on the north coast, famous for its unusual rock formations.

Shifen

Famous for its wide waterfall and a historic railway track that runs directly through the town's market street.

Maokong Gondola

A cable car system in Taipei that takes visitors up to the tea-growing areas of Maokong, home to many traditional teahouses.

Raohe Street Night Market

One of the oldest night markets in Taipei, known for its traditional dishes and the imposing gate at its entrance.

National Palace Museum

A world-renowned museum housing one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks.

Yangmingshan National Park

A volcanic national park right outside Taipei, known for its hot springs, fumaroles, and cherry blossoms blooming in spring.

Nature

Laomei Green Reef

A coastal formation with volcanic trenches covered in green algae during spring.

Tamsui River

The Tamsui River flows through the Taipei metropolitan area and empties into the Taiwan Strait in the northwest of the island.

Qingshui Cliff

Spectacular cliffs that drop almost vertically into the Pacific Ocean.

More places

Jinguashi Gold Mine

One of the largest gold and copper mines in Asia during the Japanese colonial era.

Remains of the Thirteen Levels

The massive ruins of a former copper and gold smelting plant, often referred to as the Machu Picchu of Taiwan.

Lin Family Mansion and Garden

One of the best-preserved examples of traditional Chinese architecture and gardening in Taiwan.

Fort San Domingo

Originally built by the Spanish and later used by various colonial powers, it reflects Taiwan's complex history.

Hobe Fort

A late 19th-century fort in Tamsui that defended the mouth of the Tamsui River.

Port of Taipei

A modern seaport in Bali District designed to relieve congestion at the Port of Keelung.

Nangang Software Park

A major technology park in Taipei focused on biotechnology and software development.

Taipei Zoo

One of the largest zoos in Asia, well-known for its giant pandas.