Shuinandong Smelter 13 Levels
An abandoned, multi-tiered smelter complex offering hauntingly beautiful views of Taiwan's industrial past against a dramatic coastal backdrop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light enhances eerie charm
Shuinandong Smelter 13 Levels
Best Time
Golden light enhances eerie charm
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An abandoned, multi-tiered smelter complex offering hauntingly beautiful views of Taiwan's industrial past against a dramatic coastal backdrop.
"A hauntingly beautiful and historic site, the abandoned industrial complex stands as a stark reminder of the past."
View from Below is Best
Most stunning views are from the roadside, not from within the restricted ruins.
Respect Safety Signs
Entry into the ruins is prohibited and fines are enforced.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 13 Levels Structure
Hillside overlooking the coast
An abandoned, multi-tiered industrial complex that evokes a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric past.
Coastal Landscape Views
Roadside observation points
Dramatic vistas of the smelter ruins set against the backdrop of Taiwan's northeastern coast.
Historical Significance
General site
A stark reminder of Taiwan's industrial past, built by the Japanese and operated until 1973.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Access & Viewing Points
Best Photo Opportunities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
View from Below is Best
Most stunning views are from the roadside, not from within the restricted ruins. +1
Respect Safety Signs
Entry into the ruins is prohibited and fines are enforced.
Combine with Yinyang Sea
Great photo spot when passing by the nearby Yinyang Sea.
Cafe Minimum Spend
Nearby cafes may have high minimum spends and limited options.
Tips
from all over the internet
View from Below is Best
Most stunning views are from the roadside, not from within the restricted ruins. +1
Respect Safety Signs
Entry into the ruins is prohibited and fines are enforced.
Combine with Yinyang Sea
Great photo spot when passing by the nearby Yinyang Sea.
Cafe Minimum Spend
Nearby cafes may have high minimum spends and limited options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Shuinandong Smelter 13 Levels to be a visually striking and historically significant site, particularly appreciated for its atmospheric views from the roadside. While direct access is prohibited, the scale and haunting beauty of the abandoned complex make it a worthwhile stop for photographers and history enthusiasts. Some find the nearby cafe options limited and expensive.
"You can't really get to the ruins other than peering through the fence. There's one one building you can see from the road, and the road is above 2 others. None are worth making the trek up the hill for. There's a sign up from 19 years ago saying not to go in and one from 3 years ago saying there's a fine of 9000元. There's a cafe down another steep hill that has a view of the front of one building, but they insist on a minimum spend of 150 and only sell hot drinks and hot food (for 350+) which isn't what you need in the afternoon of an incredibly hot day. I'd suggest not bothering and just looking up from below."
Ranulf Doswell
"The 13th Ruins, also known as the Remains of the 13 Levels, is a hauntingly beautiful and historic site along Taiwan's northeastern coast. Once a thriving copper and gold refinery, the abandoned industrial complex now stands as a stark, atmospheric reminder of the past. Its crumbling structures against the backdrop of the ocean and mountains create a dramatic and photogenic landscape. The site is especially captivating at sunset, when the golden light enhances its eerie charm. A must-visit for history buffs, photographers, and anyone seeking a unique and thought-provoking experience!"
Alvin Lim
"A quick but worthwhile stop.The view from the roadside and observation deck was enough to appreciate its scale and history. Great photo spot if you’re passing by Yinyang Sea!"
Mirjana Ong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shuinandong Smelter, also known as the Remains of the 13 Levels, is best accessed by car or scooter. It's located along the coastal road in Jinguashi, New Taipei City. Public transport options are limited, but buses do pass by the area. Parking is available at designated roadside spots for viewing.
While direct public transport to the smelter ruins is scarce, several bus routes pass through the Jinguashi area. You may need to walk a short distance from the bus stop to reach the viewing points. Checking local bus schedules is recommended.
Yes, you can drive to the vicinity of the Shuinandong Smelter. There are roadside pull-offs and a small observation deck that offer good vantage points for photography and viewing the scale of the abandoned complex.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to view the Shuinandong Smelter from the outside. The site itself is an abandoned industrial complex and access to the ruins is prohibited for safety reasons.
No, it is not safe to enter the Shuinandong Smelter ruins. The structures are old, unstable, and potentially hazardous. Signs clearly indicate that entry is forbidden, with fines for trespassing.
There are no official opening hours as the site is an abandoned industrial complex. You can view it from the roadside at any time, though late afternoon for sunset is particularly recommended for photography.
Yes, there are significant fines for entering the restricted areas of the Shuinandong Smelter. Signs indicate a fine of 9000 NTD for trespassing.
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular photography spots are from the roadside pull-offs and the observation deck below the smelter. These offer the best perspective to capture the full scale of the multi-tiered structure against the coastal scenery.
Late afternoon, especially leading up to sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting. The golden hour casts a warm glow on the ruins, enhancing their atmospheric and haunting beauty.
You can get close enough from the designated viewing areas to take impressive photos. However, direct access into the smelter complex is prohibited for safety and legal reasons.
Some visitors have noted seeing art pieces, such as a glowing Roman 'i', near the viewing areas, adding an unexpected modern touch to the historical site.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are cafes located down a steep hill from the smelter. However, be aware that these establishments may have a high minimum spend (e.g., 150 NTD) and primarily offer hot drinks and meals, which might not be ideal for all visitors.
The nearby cafes tend to offer hot food and drinks. It's advisable to check their offerings and pricing beforehand, as some visitors found them to be more expensive than expected.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the area around the viewing spots can be uneven, so supervise young children closely. The nearby cafes might have high minimum spends, so it might be more practical to pack snacks and drinks for the kids. The dramatic landscape and the sheer scale of the abandoned smelter can be quite captivating for all ages, offering a unique visual experience without the need for strenuous activity.
📸 Photographers
Focus on capturing the scale of the complex from the roadside viewing areas and the designated observation deck. Experiment with different angles to emphasize the layers and textures of the decaying industrial architecture. While you cannot enter the ruins, the external views provide ample opportunities for striking compositions. Remember to respect all safety signage and avoid attempting to access restricted zones.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History of the Shuinandong Smelter
After World War II, the plant was taken over by Taiwan and continued its operations until the exhaustion of local copper and gold reserves in 1973. The subsequent closure marked the end of an era for the local mining industry. Today, the abandoned complex stands as a powerful testament to Taiwan's industrial past, a stark and atmospheric reminder of its economic development and the labor that fueled it.
The site's historical importance is undeniable, offering a glimpse into the industrial might and resource extraction practices of the past. Its unique architecture, clinging to the hillside, makes it a visually striking monument. While direct exploration is prohibited, its presence continues to draw visitors interested in history, industrial archaeology, and dramatic landscapes.
Viewing and Photography Tips
For photographers, the late afternoon and sunset are particularly magical. The golden hour light bathes the decaying structures in a warm, ethereal glow, amplifying the site's haunting beauty and creating dramatic shadows. Many iconic images of the 13 Levels are taken during this time. Be mindful that some widely circulated photos might be from areas that are no longer accessible or were taken before stricter regulations were in place.
While the primary draw is the smelter itself, some visitors have noted the presence of art installations near the viewing areas, adding an unexpected contemporary element to the historical site. It's also worth noting that while there are cafes nearby, they may have high minimum spend requirements and limited food options, so it's wise to plan accordingly if you intend to dine in the area.
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