The tunnel was originally part of a vast underground network known as the 'Benshan' veins, which were the primary gold-producing arteries of Jinguashi.
The temperature inside the tunnel is consistently cooler than the surface, acting as a natural climate buffer.
The mine is part of the larger Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park, which is registered as a Taiwan World Heritage Potential Site.
During the mining peak, the tunnel facilitated the transport of ore using narrow-gauge rail tracks that are still visible today.
The Japanese mining company Nippon Mining operated this site extensively before the KMT government took over operations in the mid-20th century.
Benshan Fifth Tunnel is a preserved underground mining site located within the Gold Ecological Park in New Taipei City. The site allows visitors to walk through a real, reinforced adit that dates back to the Japanese colonial era of Taiwan’s gold mining industry. It showcases the structural techniques and harsh environments experienced by miners extracting gold and copper ore. The interior is equipped with sensory simulations and audio-visual displays to depict historical mining operations. The tunnel serves as a primary feature of the Jinguashi mining heritage zone, demonstrating the transition from active mine to historical museum. It is structurally reinforced to ensure safety while maintaining an authentic subterranean atmosphere.
The entrance portal where the wooden mining frame meets the dark, narrow tunnel corridor.
Wear comfortable, non-slip closed-toe walking shoes as the ground can be uneven or damp.
Bring a light outer layer if you are sensitive to cold, as the tunnel temperature remains low regardless of external weather.
Check the official New Taipei City Gold Museum website for any temporary maintenance closures before heading to the mountain area.
Attempting to stray from the designated path or entering restricted tunnels that lack lighting and safety reinforcements.
Closed on the first Monday of each month and during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Maintain a quiet tone inside the tunnel to honor the historical site; stay within marked paths and do not touch structural supports.
