Shuǐnándòng Thirteen Layers Ruins Introduction
Located near Shuinandong and the Yin Yang Sea, the Tai-Jin Old Mining Factory, also known as the Thirteen Levels Ruins, was once the largest ore refining factory in the Shuinandong, Jinguashi, and Jiufen area. This factory was used for refining gold, silver, and copper ores and appears like a dilapidated beautiful palace from a distance. The abandoned smoke stacks stretch for 2 kilometers on the hillside, intermittently visible among the mountains, adding a sense of mystery. To capture the unique desolate beauty of the Thirteen Levels Ruins, the best viewpoints are from the Shuinandong parking lot looking up and from the observation pavilion in the Changren community. The story of the Thirteen Levels Ruins, also known as the Shuinandong Smelter, started in 1933 (the 8th year of the Showa era) as an important facility for mining and refining precious metals during the Japanese occupation. After Taiwan's retrocession, it was taken over by the Taiwan Metal Mining Corporation, which built a new smelting plant and divided the structures into ore and smelting areas. As times changed, the once-thriving mining industry gradually declined, and operations ceased in 1987, with management handed over to the Taiwan Power Company. Illuminating the Thirteen Levels and reviving its grandeur, the Shuinandong Smelting Factory holds a significant place in Taiwan's mining culture and has an irreplaceable historical meaning. In September 2019, the Taiwan Power Company collaborated with international lighting artist Zhou Lian and young artist He Cai-rou for the "Illuminating Thirteen Levels" public art project. The Thirteen Levels Ruins, illuminated by golden lights, seem to transcend time, allowing viewers to witness the grandeur of the golden mountain city once again. Night photography enthusiasts should not miss the nighttime view of the Thirteen Levels. ※ Fixed lighting hours: Lighting from 18:00 to 21:00.
