The site commemorates the 'Chu-Huang-Keng' oil field, the oldest in Taiwan and one of the oldest in the world still exhibiting historical structures.
Oil was first discovered here when local residents noticed gas seeping from the ground and lighting it to cook food.
The museum preserves the original drill bits and pipes used by the Japanese colonial government for systematic extraction in the early 20th century.
The location features a specialized 'Oil Field Cable Car' system historically used to transport equipment up the steep mountainous terrain.
It is the only museum in Taiwan dedicated specifically to the history and technology of petroleum and natural gas exploration.
The Taiwan Oil Field Exhibition Hall is located at the site of Taiwan's first oil well, established in 1861 during the Qing Dynasty. It documents the evolution of the oil and gas industry in Taiwan, starting from early manual extraction to modern exploration technologies. The museum is operated by the state-owned CPC Corporation and features a comprehensive collection of drilling equipment, historical maps, and geological survey tools. It is situated in the Jinshuitan area of Miaoli, which was historically significant for the discovery of petroleum and natural gas. The exhibits provide insight into how energy extraction influenced Taiwan's industrial modernization. The facility includes both indoor galleries and an outdoor area displaying heavy industrial machinery like derricks and old drilling rigs. Visitors can explore the historical Jinshui No. 1 well, which remains a focal point of the site.
The elevated observation deck overlooking the Jinshui No. 1 well with the original derrick structure in the background.
Walk the outdoor park area to view the full-scale historical drilling derricks that are too large for the indoor galleries.
Read the bilingual signage carefully as it provides detailed geological data regarding the Miaoli anticline.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the site includes sloped terrain and outdoor equipment displays.
Attempting to find the site without a private vehicle or pre-arranged transport, as public transit to this specific mountain road is limited.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain silence inside the exhibition halls; do not touch or climb on the outdoor heavy machinery.
