Shuinan Cave Thirteen Layers Ruins Introduction
Located near Shuinan Cave and the Yin-Yang Sea, the Taijin Old Mines, also known as the Thirteen Levels Ruins, was once the largest ore dressing plant in the Shuinan Cave, Jinguashi, and Jiufen area. This dressing plant, used for refining gold, silver, and copper ores, appears like a beautiful palace in ruins from a distance, and the abandoned smokestacks that dominate the mountain top stretch for 2 kilometers, intermittently revealing themselves among the hills, adding a touch of mystery. If you wish to witness the unique desolate beauty of the Thirteen Levels Ruins, the best viewpoints are from the Shuinan Cave parking lot and the observation deck in the Changren Community. The story of the Thirteen Levels Ruins, also known as the Shuinan Cave Dressing Plant, began with its construction in 1933 (Showa 8), which was a very important facility for ore mining and precious metal refining during the Japanese colonial period. After Taiwan's restoration, the Taiwan Metal Mining Corporation took over and built a new smelting plant, dividing the buildings into the dressing plant and the smelting area. As times changed, the once-thriving mining industry gradually declined, and operations ceased in 1987, after which it came under the management of Taipower. Illuminating the Thirteen Levels, bringing back its glory, the Shuinan Cave Dressing Plant holds an important place in Taiwan's mining culture, with its irreplaceable historical significance. In September 2019, Taipower collaborated with international lighting artist Zhou Lian and emerging artist He Cailou to create the public art project "Illuminate the Thirteen Levels." The Thirteen Levels Ruins illuminated with golden lights seem to transcend time, allowing visitors to glimpse the splendor of the old gold mountain city once again. For those who enjoy night photography, do not miss the night view of the Thirteen Levels. *Fixed lighting time: from 18:00 to 21:00.
