臺北市政府文化局

As you may know, mountains often conceal many secrets: trees, insects and birds, as well as remnants of past industries and settlements nestled among the hills. But is just knowing enough? Wouldn’t you like to see these hidden treasures with your own eyes? 

The Bihu Mountain Trail in Neihu is now an easily accessible and excellent choice for tourism. With a change in elevation of less than 50 m., the journey can be completed in under 30 minutes. During the flowering season, you can spot various species of butterfly along the trail, such as purple crows, striped blue crows, common grass yellows, and common bluebottles. Along the way, you’ll come across Formosa acacias, large-leaved nanmus, and various ferns. There is even a dedicated pavilion for watching Taiwan blue magpies. 

In terms of cultural landscape, you’ll come across the Xinfu Main Pit, which bears witness to a century of mining history. Following refurbishment, you can explore the railway carts and tracks, allowing you to embark on a mini adventure and imagine yourself as one of the hardworking miners. 

Like many mines in Taiwan, operations here came to an end after a mining disaster, this one claiming thirteen lives. Even though Taipei today gives the impression of modernity and prosperity, its rapid economic growth was built on many tales of sorrow. The mine is a reminder of the sacrifices of those who went before us.