The '13-Level' name refers to the structural layout of the facility, which utilized gravity to move ore through different processing stages.
The distinct golden-brown color of the adjacent Yin-Yang Sea is primarily caused by natural iron sulfide minerals in the local geology, not just industrial pollution.
The facility was once the most advanced ore processing plant in East Asia during the peak of its operation.
Parts of the site have been repurposed as filming locations for various local music videos and television productions due to its stark, weathered aesthetic.
The complex historically connected to a massive, long ventilation duct that snakes up the mountain to disperse toxic sulfur gases away from workers.
The remains were formally designated as a historical monument by New Taipei City in 2007.
The Shuinandong Smelter, commonly known as the 13-Level Remains, is a large-scale copper ore processing facility built into the mountainside in Ruifang, New Taipei City. Constructed in 1933 during the Japanese colonial period, the structure features a stepped concrete design that follows the steep topography of the hillside. The facility functioned as part of the Jin-Gua-Shi mining complex, separating gold and copper ore before transporting it for further processing. Its exterior is marked by oxidation and structural decay, reflecting decades of disuse since production ceased in the 1980s. The site is a primary historical industrial landmark of Taiwan's mining history. It is situated along the coast, offering a direct visual connection to the Yin-Yang Sea, a bay characterized by its distinctively murky, orange-yellow water caused by natural mineral runoff. The complex is maintained as a preserved historical site rather than an active interior facility. Access is restricted to designated observation areas to ensure visitor safety due to the building's unstable condition. It serves as a visual record of the region’s past transition from an industrial hub to a cultural tourism zone.
The official observation platform situated on the hillside provides a clear, elevated view of the entire 13-level structure.
View the site from designated coastal observation decks across the road for the most comprehensive perspective of the structure's scale.
Bring sun protection and hydration, as there is minimal natural shade in the viewing areas.
Use wide-angle lenses to capture the full verticality of the ruins against the mountain slope.
Do not attempt to hike or climb onto the ruins themselves, as the concrete is deteriorating and hazardous.
The site is exterior and remains accessible at all times, though lighting is limited after dark.
Respect all safety barricades and fencing; the structures are structurally unsound and entry into the interior is strictly prohibited.
