This week on 5 we’re visiting the northern Taiwanese town of Jinguashi and its ruined Shinto shrine. Before we get into that though, if you didn’t see my list of must-follow photographers on Twitter, you should check it out. As I did on that post, today I’ll be giving away an invite to Google Wave for one lucky commenter so make sure you leave your thoughts at the end of todays post. Let’s start things off with a photograph, and then a bit of history and information about it after the jump.

Torii Gate at the entrance to Mountain God Shrine, Jinguashi

Jinguashi is a town located in the Rueifang Township of Taipei County, an area that became famous for its goldmines. During the Japanese colonial era (1895-1945), the Japan Mining Company built the Mountain God shrine halfway up the mountain to commemorate their 1933 takeover of the local gold mine. The original shrine included a main hall, prayer hall and pavilion for worshipers to wash their hands. There were also two walkways along the stairs, at either side of which were 3 torii (gate), 5 flag platforms and 1 bronze bull. During the Japanese era large-scale religious ceremonies and rituals were held here every year. At some point in the point war years the shrine was mostly destoyed and today all that is left are 2 torii (gate), a few stone lanterns and the shrine’s original foundation, beams and pillars.

Incidentally, Taiwan has just marked Retrocession Day (October 25th), the anniversary of the handover of Taiwan to the ROC from Japanese rule in 1945.

Dirt path leading to the ruined Mountain God Shrine, Jinguashi, Taiwan.

The ruined Mountain God Shinto Shrine, Jinguashi, Taiwan.

Looking down from the ruined Mountain God Shinto Shrine, Jinguashi, Taiwan.

Looking down from the ruined Mountain God Shinto Shrine, Jinguashi, Taiwan.

So that brings us to the end of another week. As it’s the end of the month, check back tomorrow for the free November desktop calendar. And don’t forget, there’s a Google Wave invite to go to one lucky commenter.