“Stone Gate Mountain,” an ancient name echoes in the wind. Here at Shimen, history whispers through the stone.
Shimen is located in the northern part of New Taipei City in Taiwan. It’s a rural district with a rich past. Imagine explorers of old, perhaps even Dutch sailors, gazing upon this very area.
The first explicit mention of Shimen appears in Chinese records dating back to 1694. It was then known as Shimenshan. The name translates to Stone Gate Mountain.
During the period of Imperial Japanese rule, Shimen was called Sekimon Village. It was governed under Tansui District of Taihoku Prefecture.
In 1945, the Kuomintang took over the administration of Taiwan. The area then became Shimen Rural Township. It was a part of Taipei County. In 2010, Taipei County underwent reorganization. Shimen became a district of the newly created New Taipei City.
Today, Shimen offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The district is bordered to the north by the East China Sea. To the southwest lies Sanzhi District. To the southeast is Jinshan District. The geography of Shimen is predominantly mountainous. Small areas of flat land dot the coastline.
Tourism plays a vital role in Shimen’s economy. The area also produces agricultural goods. These include mandarins, peanuts, and tea.
The Fuguijiao Lighthouse stands proudly at Cape Fugui. It is one of the historical buildings. Shimen is also home to Baisha Bay.
Since the year 2000, Shimen has hosted an annual kite festival. Competitors from around the world participate in this festival.
Shimen is also the site of Taiwan’s first nuclear power plant. It is known as the Jinshan Nuclear Power Plant.
As you stand here at Shimen, consider the layers of history. Envision the early explorers, the Japanese administrators, and the modern-day residents. Shimen is a place where the past and present intertwine. It is a place where natural beauty meets human endeavor. A stone gate to history, culture, and progress.