The 'Yin-Yang Sea' phenomenon is caused by high concentrations of iron sulfide and iron oxide leaching from nearby abandoned mines.
The 13-Layer Remains seen from the deck were part of the Taijin Mining complex, once a massive copper smelting operation during the Japanese colonial era.
The area is part of the larger 'Gold Ecological Park' region, which preserves the legacy of Taiwan's 20th-century mining history.
The Shumei Observation Deck is a panoramic vantage point situated on the coastal hills of Ruifang District, New Taipei City. It overlooks the Shuinandong area, including the famous Yin-Yang Sea, where yellow-gold mineral deposits contrast with the deep blue waters of the Pacific. The location provides a clear view of the '13-Layer Remains,' a historic copper smelting facility complex built into the mountainside. Visitors can observe the winding coastal roads and the abandoned industrial architecture of the Jin-Gua-Shi mining era. The site is characterized by an elevated wooden platform that serves as a terminus for local sightseeing trails. It sits near the base of the mountains along the northeastern coast of Taiwan. The layout is designed to prioritize open-air coastal viewing over enclosed structures.
The center of the wooden platform looking northeast toward the intersection of the gold-colored water and the blue ocean.
Bring a windbreaker or layers, as the coastal location is often subject to strong, gusty winds regardless of the season.
Coordinate your visit with low tide if you intend to walk down toward the shoreline to see the water color transition more clearly.
Use a telephoto lens if you want to capture architectural details of the 13-Layer Remains.
Do not attempt to enter the fenced-off or derelict industrial buildings of the 13-Layer Remains, as they are structurally unstable.
