The museum is located in a village that was once known for having the highest coal output in all of Taiwan.
Coal production in Houtong peaked in the 1960s, employing thousands of miners before the industry collapsed.
The museum structure utilizes original buildings that once housed the mine's logistical operations.
The village is famously associated with a high population of stray cats, which live alongside the historical industrial ruins.
The site documents the transition from manual mining labor to mechanical ventilation and transportation systems.
Ruifang's mining history contributed significantly to the economic development of northern Taiwan throughout the 20th century.
The Houtong Miner's Culture & History Museum is situated in a former coal-mining settlement in the Ruifang District of New Taipei City. It preserves the industrial heritage of the Ri-Xing Coal Mine, which once ranked among Taiwan's most productive sites. The museum occupies the repurposed site of the former dormitory and administrative offices used by mine workers. Exhibits detail the evolution of mining techniques, the lives of workers, and the socio-economic impact of coal extraction on the Keelung River basin. Visitors can explore displays of original mining tools, historical photographs, and safety equipment. The facility provides a stark look at the hazardous conditions once faced by laborers in the underground shafts. It serves as an essential archive for the regional history of the Japanese colonial era and the subsequent decades of coal production. The surrounding area has been repurposed into a visitor-friendly historical park following the mine's closure in 1990.
The elevated view of the rusted, moss-covered coal conveyer belt structures with the village in the background.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as the area features uneven terrain and old industrial pathways.
Bring a portable fan or cooling gear if visiting during the humid summer months.
Plan to explore the wider village area to see the outdoor ruins and the coal-loading conveyer belts.
Feeding the local cat population with human food, which is discouraged by park management.
Closed on certain days of the week, typically Mondays, though subject to local government maintenance schedules.
