Jinguashi provides a welcome retreat from Jioufen's weekend getaway crowd

Most of the guesthouses provide a free breakfast and offer lunch and dinner for NT$200 per person. Jinguashi doesn't boast any particular local specialty foods, but most people don't leave without trying the taro and sweet potato dessert soup (芋圓) served either hot or cold. Because Jinguashi does not see as many tourists as Jioufen it is not saturated by small stalls selling local snacks and pre-packed items to take home. It's easy to find something to eat but finding souvenirs is not so simple.

Overnight

Jinguashi can be done as a day trip or turned into a more relaxed two-day excursion, especially if combined with Jioufen. Guesthouses are springing up in both locations and offer simple lodging for an average of NT$2,000 per double room. Rooms fill up quickly on weekends so it is recommended to reserve in advance.

Cloud Village (雲山水渡假小築): Situated in Jinguashi, this guest house and restaurant offers unique rooms furnished with antiques. Like many of the other guesthouses, the main floor is a restaurant and provides free breakfast for all guests. Lunch and dinner are also available for NT$200 per person.

Prices: NT$1,600 room per weekday NT$2,000 on weekend. (Based on double occupancy)

93-1, Ln 13, Sanjin Rd, Jinguashi, Taipei County (台北縣瑞芳鎮金瓜石石山里山尖路93-1號).

A free shuttle service is provided from the Rueifang train station (瑞芳車站) and can be arranged by calling the hotel manager.

Telephone: (02) 2496 2291.

For pick up service: (0910) 105 148 or

http://www.cloudvillage.net

Getting There

By Rail: Take the Taipei-Hualien line and off at Jinguashi Train Station (金瓜石車站).

Several trains leave daily from Taipei Main Railway Train Station. Estimated travel time is one-and-a-half hours by express train.

By Car: From Taipei, take Badu or Keelung exits off of the Sun Yat-sen Freeway to connect with the Coastal Highway (Provincial Highway 2) or take the Taipei-Ilan Freeway and exit onto the Coastal Highway.

Further Planning:

Tourist Service Center Hotline: (02) 2499 1115 ext. 221

Northeast Coastal National Scenic Area Administration:

(02) 2499 1115

E-Mail: info@necoast-nsa.gov.tw

(02) 2960 3456

Websites: http://www.tpc.gov.tw