Shuinan Cave Thirteen Levels Ruins Introduction
Located near Shuinan Cave and the Yin Yang Sea, the Old Mining Factory of Taiwan Gold is also known as the Thirteen Levels Ruins. It was once the largest ore refinery in the area of Shuinan Cave, Jinguashi, and Jiufen, used for refining gold, silver, and copper ores. From a distance, it resembles a beautiful abandoned palace, and the dilapidated smoke stacks that cling to the mountain stretch 2 kilometers, appearing and disappearing among the mountains, adding an air of mystery. To witness the unique desolation of the Thirteen Levels Ruins, the best viewpoints are from the Shuinan Cave parking lot, looking up, and from the vantage point next to the Changren community pavilion. The story of the Thirteen Levels Ruins, also known as the Shuinan Cave Refinery, was constructed in 1933 (Showa 8) and was a significant facility for mining and refining precious metals during the Japanese colonial period. After Taiwan's restoration, it was handed over to the Taiwan Metal Mining Corporation, which built a new smelting plant, dividing the architecture into a processing plant and a smelting plant. Over time, the once-thriving mining industry gradually declined, and operations ceased in 1987, after which it was managed by Taipower. Illuminating the Thirteen Levels to restore its former glory, the Shuinan Cave Refinery occupies a significant place in Taiwan's mining culture and holds undeniable historical significance. In September 2019, Taipower collaborated with international lighting artist Zhou Lian and emerging artist He Cai-rou for the "Illuminate the Thirteen Levels" public art project. The Thirteen Levels Ruins, illuminated by golden lights, seem to transport people through a time tunnel, allowing them to once again see the grandeur of the Golden Mountain City. Nightscape enthusiasts should not miss the night view of the Thirteen Levels. ※ Fixed lighting time: Illuminated from 18:00 to 21:00.
